Poland stunned the favourites, Germany, in the men’s final of the second Indoor World Cup in Vienna this afternoon. Having held the Germans at bay for 17 minutes, the Poles suddenly struck through a field goal by Dariusz Malecki. For what remained of the half the Polish supporters had every reason to believe that their side might make it two, but the Germans came out with all guns blazing in the second half, with Benedict Sperling scoring after two minutes of play. Despite the Poles showing some enterprise, their opponents started to take control of the match and went into the lead after 36 minutes with a goal from Mortitz Fuerste. Two more goals by the Germans put pay to Poland’s hope of the gold, but for a nation who has not featured as a top international side outdoors, the Poles will come away with a lot of credit from this tournament. The bronze was won by Spain with a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
The biggest surprise in the women’s tournament was the absence of the Germans from the final, which pitted Spain against the Netherlands. The Dutch confirmed their dominance of the women’s game by securing a 4-2 victory. Germany beat the Ukraine 5-2 to win the bronze. Scotland finished 8th.
IN THE ENGLISH PREMIER DIVISION there were no real surprises this afternoon. Cannock beat East Grinstead 3-2, EG having come back from a 2-0 deficit at half time. Bottom of the table put up a creditable fight against Loughborough Students, losing 2-3, whilst Surbiton picked up a useful three points against Belper, whilst the mid-table clash between Beeston and Hampstead went Hampstead’s way, 3-2.
Full league tables for the weekend are not posted to our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk
