THERE were mixed emotions for Wales' men's and women's teams in today's EuroHockey Championships II semi-finals.

The men beat France 4-3 in Glasgow with goals from Rupert Shipperley, James Carson, Gareth Furlong and Luke Hawker clinching them a place in tomorrow's final against hosts Scotland.

Victory also secured the Welsh team promotion to the top tier of European hockey for the first time.

In contrast, the women, captained by Usk's Abi Welsford, lost 2-1 to Russia in Cardiff to miss out on a final with Belarus.

They too would have joined Europe's elite had they won, but a goal with around 10 minutes left gave the Russians the win.

Wales had earlier pulled level through vice-captain Leah Wilkinson after Russia took the lead.