Wales hockey coach Zak Jones hailed his young side’s victory in their opening international test against France in Cardiff on Thursday.

Luke Hawker’s goal with just five minuets left gave Wales the win against an equally young France side at the National Hockey Centre.

Jones said: “It was a pretty even game, but I am just delighted to get an international win on the board to start the season.

“It was a real team effort today, obviously Luke Hawker did well to nip in there with the goal, and now we’re looking forward to the second test on Friday.”

France fielder several of the players who featured for their under21’s that took silver at the Junior World Cup in 2013.

The visitors came close to levelling with a penalty corner in the final 30 seconds, but they were denied in the last 30 seconds by keeper and David Kettle’s stunning save.

Skipper Lewis Prosser said: “I felt we were very good defensively and getting the win is a great start to our international campaign.

“There are some areas we need to improve on; we need to be more clinical in the D and attacking 25, but otherwise a great performance today, particularly from the three debutants.”

The second and last test against France is on Friday again at the National Hockey Centre in Cardiff