England were denied their second win at the Women’s Champions Challenge by conceding a 67th minute goal as they shared four goals with the US. A draw was enough to move this depleted England side up a place to third in the six team event, behind Korea and China, and still ahead of the Americans though only on goals scored. In poor playing conditions, the inexperienced Hannah Macleod and Hayley Brown failed to take good chances yet Dana Sensenig scored from a narrow angle to put US ahead in the 17th minute. Amy Tran, a stand-out goalkeeper, looked unbeatable, thwarting Macleod again and Danson before halftime. England’s breakthrough came in the 44th minute with a successful Mel Clewlow corner strike and, just three minutes later, Alex Danson deflected another of her corner shots to give England a 2-1 lead. Beth Duggan in the England goal, made three important saves from April Fronzoni five minutes from time, but it was Fronzoni who denied England victory, deflecting a free hit into goal.
Earlier China set a Challenge record by beating New Zealand 8-1 while later Korea beat Azerbaijan 4-3 for their third win. England’s final group games are tomorrow against Azerbaijan who have lost three times (tomorrow) and China on Saturday before a possible rematch with the US for the bronze medals.
Today Wales (men) and Scotland (women) take part in the Setanta Trophy, a new four nation event for men and women in Dublin.
The International Federation have announced that next year’s men’s Champions Trophy will be held at Rotterdam HC.
