An astonishing recovery just failed to deliver the bronze medal for England in the BDO Champions Challenge in Boom, Belgium. Conceding two goals in the first five minutes and a further two before the half was twenty-five minutes old England looked completely out of contention. Even when Rob Moore swept in Jonty Clarke’s cross to open England’s scoring in the last minute of the half a serious revival seemed unlikely. The route to recovery came through two penalty corners. James Tindall scored the first mid way through the second half with a fierce and precise shot after Richard Mantell’s initial flick had been saved. The second was tapped in with seven minutes remaining by Simon Mantell following an intricate move involving four players. England’s come back was the result of scoring from two out of three penalty corners whilst denying India a single corner.
Overall coach Jason Lee was satisfied with England’s performance during the week but admitted that there were some basics that needed attention in the six weeks remaining between now and the European Cup in Manchester.
Final placings:
3rd/4th England 3 India 4
5th/6th Belgium 3 Japan 4.
The result of the final will appear on this blog tomorrow.
