Women’s EuroHockey Indoor Club Challenge II (Vantaa, Finland)
Cardiff & Met celebrated a “historic moment” for the club as they won their first ever European indoor participation with gold as they won the final 2-1 over Hungary’s AHC.
Speaking about the tournament gold, captain for the final Ella Bradley said: “This is a historic moment for Cardiff and Met Ladies Hockey, marking our first ever entry into the competition. To come away as champions has been an unforgettable experience.
“A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising such a fantastic tournament.”
Millie Barnes produced the goals for the Welsh club as she struck in the eighth and 17th minute, either side of a goal from the prolific Sára Józan from AHC.
After that, it was highly competitive with Cardiff goalkeepers Amy Partridge and Rebecca Hughes keeping out two penalty strokes and a number of penalty corners.
AHC’s defence was also in strong form, holding out several corners to stay in the hunt right until the final hooter.
Cardiff kept their narrow lead to finish an unbeaten weekend with a golden ending.
The joint tournament was brought to a fitting conclusion with the prizegiving ceremony. Finnish Hockey Association President Jarmo Ruohonen, Tournament Director Klaus Saijonkivi, and junior players from Vantaa HC presented the medals and recognised the standout performers.
Afterwards the teams gathered together for an event photo filled with smiles that captured the warm, friendly, and community-driven spirit of the event.
The true workhorse behind the tournament was Vantaa HC Chairperson Kate Lessey, who thanked volunteers and teams for their effort across four long tournament days and over five months of preparation.
In traditional Finnish fashion, the evening continued on with a well-earned sauna in Kuusijärvi.
Player of the tournament: Megan Watts (Cardiff & Met)
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Jonna Oksa (Vantaa)
Leading goalscorer: Sára Józan (AHC) – 10 goals
Final rankings:
- Cardiff & Met (WAL)
- AHC (HUN)
- Vantaa HC (FIN)
