FERGUS Stevens helped Wales to the semi-finals of last week’s European Under 18s Hockey Championships in Cardiff.

The former Llanfyllin High School student and current Cardiff Metropolitan star played a key role in Wales’ march to the semi-finals.

Wales staged a fightback to draw 3-3 with Scotland before beating Switzerland 2-0 and securing qualification for the semi-finals with a 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic.

Wales opened the scoring against Russia in the semi-finals before succumbing to a 4-1 defeat.

Welsh hopes for bronze were ended in the third place play-off match with Austria prevailing 3-0 winners.

Fourth place represented Wales’ best ever result in the European Under 18s Championships.

Head coach Lee Ible hoped the performance had laid the foundations for future success with promotion to the top tier of European hockey the aim.

“The Euros have been a fantastic learning experience for the whole group, players and staff. Some of the performances were fantastic and the character and grit shown to come back against the Scots and the Czechs was so pleasing to see,” said Ible.

“It was disappointing to lose in the semi’s and miss out on the bronze but we will look back at this week as a huge success.

“The boys have gained so many valuable lessons, technically, tactically and emotionally which can can only be beneficial to their development.”

Katie Hamer-Grew of Sport Powys hoped the success of the former Llanfyllin High School student would inspire the next generation of boys to take up the stick.

Stevens was crowned North Powys under 18s sports personality of the year in 2016 and his career has continues its upward trajectory since.

“It’s a great achievement,” said Hamer-Grew. “It would be fantastic to see Fergus inspire more boys to take up the game across Powys.”

Newtown Men’s Hockey Club hosts boys academy training sessions at Maldwyn Leisure Centre every Wednesday while an elite junior training camp will be held at the same venue from 10am-3pm on Tuesday, August 28.