Hockey: Organ's vital goal for Wales

WALES DESPERATELY hung on to fourth place in their European Nations' Cup pool thanks to a lone goal by Simon Organ in a courageous confrontation with Germany here yesterday.

Although they succumbed 6-1, Wales finished above Switzerland, despite being equal on goal difference. Organ's fine reverse stick shot resulted in the extra goal that was to prove so crucial to their standing.

The Germans - England's semi-final opponents tomorrow - had raced to a four-goal lead just three minutes into the second half, taking advantage of some casual defending as their strikers moved behind the Welsh backline.

Organ's goal in the 41st minute inspired the Welsh and, although they shipped two more goals and defended the last five minutes without the suspended Alistair Carruthers, they secured a play-off game against Russia. Again the goalkeeper Chris Ashcroft and Paul Edwards were the pick of their defence.

England, meanwhile, were relaxing on the waterways of Venice. Brett Garrard, although in a wheelchair yesterday, is expected to be fit for tomorrow's semi-final.

Results, Digest, page 31