DUTCH TAKE HONOURS - ENGLAND AVOID RELEGATION by Peter Colwill in Manchester

England, needing a draw to avoid relegation to the EuroNations Trophy competition, finished the tournament in style with a 7-0 win against France which condemned Ireland, who had just beaten the Czech Republic 10-0 to the drop.

France who managed only two shots, and who did not win a corner, offered little resistance and at one stage a repeat of England’s 16-0 victory against the French at Beckenham in 1922 seemed possible. The French had the misfortune that England chose this match to unleash the 19-year-old Ashley Jackson as a penalty corner striker. Jackson, who had been kept under wraps for most of the tournament, scored from both of his attempts and also from a stylish reverse stick shot in open play but was less successful with a penalty stroke which was comfortably saved by Julien Thamin. Richard Mantell, England’s number one corner striker, also converted a penalty corner and rattled the crossbar from another and there were open play goals from Simon Mantell, Jonty Clarke and Ali Wilson as England overwhelmed a poor French defence. The Hockey Writers’ Club named Barry Middleton as England’s Player of the Tournament and he was awarded the Chris Moore Salver.

In a fantastically fluctuating Bronze Medal game, with automatic Olympic Qualification at stake, Germany quickly built up a 2-0 lead against Belgium, only for Belgium to claw their way back into the game and go 3-2 ahead. With just minutes remaining the Germans drew level but with 4 seconds to go, the Belgians take a free hit just outside of the German circle. It is driven in forcefully and is deflected of Jerome Truyens’ stick to the back of the German goal for the winner and a place in Beijing at the expense of the Olympic Champions.

Taekema Taekema with two goals in the final for the Dutch in their 3-2 win against Spain took his tournament tally to 16 as the Netherlands claimed the European title for the first time since 1987 when they won in Moscow. In a game which paled in comparison with the Bronze medal game Spain the defending champions were always playing second fiddle to a well-drilled Dutch squad who with a specialist striker of Taekema’s quality - two goals from two attempts - always looked to be in control.

IT'S BRONZE! by Peter Colwill in Manchester

Great Britain’s women will be going to the Beijing Olympics as a result of England’s 3-2 win against Spain in the Bronze medal match of the EuroNations Championship in Manchester. Leading 3-0 with 11 minutes to play victory looked assured but England’s composure deserted them as Spain struck back through Ester Termens and Silvia Munoz and when England survived a penalty corner in overtime there was much relief. England were dominantly rampant for the first 50 minutes with Alex Danson in particular causing the Spanish defence much consternation. Goals came from three of their four penalty corners. Mel Clewlow struck the first and Christa Cullen flicked the next two. An emotional England coach Danny Kerry said afterwards: “The girls were just brilliant and I will forgive them for the last ten minutes. I am not sure how I feel - a bit relieved I figure I am happy”. He added it was absolutely paramount to get to Beijing”.

Germany won their first ever European women’s title in a somewhat drab final as a result of two fantastic strikes from their 23year old Janine Beermann from the RTHC Club Leverkusen - who ironically is going to play in the Dutch League for Nijmegen next season - in the 3^rd and 40^th minutes. The Germans have added the European title to their Olympic title.

Consolation for the Dutch was qualification for the Olympics and for their right winger, Marilyn Agliotti, Player of the Tournament.

Our photograph shows England's Helen Richardson, who had a superb tournament, with her bronze medal.

Update from Manchester by Peter Colwill

In their first 5/8^th play-off game France beat Czech Republic 3-0 and now lead the relegation pool with six points. They have secured their place for the next Championship, with England on four, Ireland one and the Czechs pointless and already relegated after just one year in the Championship.

The Netherlands will play Spain, the defending champions in the men’s final of the European Championship on Sunday. Taeke Taekema scored six goals from ten penalty corners in the Dutch 7-2 victory over Belgium in the first semi final after the Belgians had opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Spain opened the scoring even earlier in the second minute before going into the interval 1-2 down against the Germans. The highly entertaining game eventually ended 3-3 to force a penalty shoot out which Spain won 4-2.

ENGLAND MUFFS CORNER OPPORTUNITIES by Peter Colwill in Manchester

England's men are making heavy weather of avoiding relegation from the European Championships. Their 1-1 draw with Ireland in the first round of the play-offs for 5th to 8th place leaves them needing a draw with France to be certain of avoiding the bottom two places. In a typically dour lesser play-off match - England, for whom Barry Middleton was outstanding - shaded the match but the Irish, superbly marshalled by their captain Patrick Brown, denied them repeatedly. The Irish defence, who had drawn with Spain earlier in the tournament, took the lead in the 11th minute when John Jermyn rifled a penalty corner beyond the despairing dive of James Fair. It was a short lived lead because James Tindall restored parity three minutes later. Allowed time to turn, the Surbiton forward struck with a reverse stick shot from the top of the circle, which left David Harte standing. 19 year old Harte, who was described as "fantastic" by David Passmore, Ireland's coach, then proceeded to make a series of excellent saves, the one from a Middelton deflection having particular merit. Ireland might have taken the lead again at the start of the second half when Phelie Maguire robbed Richard Mantell and set up Mark Gleghorne, but the Loughborough man's shot lacked penetration. England increased the pressure but did not look like scoring from any of their six penalty corners except the last one in overtime, which Iain Lewers took off the line. Jason Lee, the England coach, expressed disappointment in his team's corners, describing the injection as slow and the shots as "muffed" but defended his choice of Richard Mantell as the number one striker.

Latest from Manchester

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England drew 1-1 against Ireland this afternoon. A full report by Peter Colwill will follow. Our photos show James Tindall taking the shot at goal which gave England their goal, and Jonty Clarke harrying the Irish goalkeeper in the second half.

THE WRIGHT STUFF IS NOT ENOUGH by Peter Savage in Manchester

It was almost on the proportions of a Greek tradgedy. Not wishing to repeat the failure of their male compatriates, England's women came out fighting in their semi-final match against the Germans in the European Nations Cup here in Manchester this afternoon. The Germans took control of the first half, with a penalty corner goal from Anke Kuhn in the 18th minute and a goal in open play from Maike Stockel in the 34th. But England were not going to surrender their automatic Olympic qualification lightly, and it was a different side that took the field for the second half. Danson, with her blonde hair reflected in the floodlighs, harried the German defence time and again. However, German defences are not to be overcome lightly, and attack after attack was turned back at the edge of the circle. But the pressure was eventually to show a result when England won a 66th minute penalty corner, which was converted by England veteran Lucilla Wright. With seconds left on the clock England managed to force another penalty corner. The clocked ticked down to zero, and England were able to force a second and then a third corner. The last corner resulted in the ball going through the keepers' legs, but it was swept off the line to finish the match.

It was a brave effort. If England can take the same fighting spirit into the bronze medal match against Spain on Saturday then Olympic qualification may still be there for the taking.

Our picture shows Kate Walsh and Crista Cullen looking on in astonishment as their shot is saved off the line.

OUTCLASSED ENGLAND MUST LOOK TO THE QUALIFIERS by Peter Savage in Manchester

Coming up from the south coast as I did this afternoon, it was a pleasant surprise to find that Manchester was bathed in sunshine. But it did not take long for events on the pitch to bring a cloudy gloom to the Belle Vue stadium. Playing in their final pool match against Germany in the European Nations Championship, the England men’s squad will be looking back and asking “What if?” What if they had beaten the Belgians and the Belgians had not held Germany to a surprise draw? It is probably the latter which did more to sink England’s prospects. A win for the Germans would have left England with a sporting chance of reaching the semis. England’s remaining “Get out of gaol card” would have to be a win or draw against the Germans this afternoon. But beating the world champions was never a likely prospect, as it was demonstrated when Germany took a third minute lead through a field goal by Mathias Witthaus. It was Witthaus who struck again just before the break with a second goal in open play. Whilst England had their chances in the match, Bubolz in the German goal was hardly troubled. Middleton had a excellent scoring chance in the second half but was closed down by an effective German defence. Needless to say, the man of the match was probably Christopher Zeller who, although his name did not appear on the scoresheet, was always in the thick of the action. The icing on the German cake came halfway through the second half when Jan Marco Montag found the net from a penalty corner. Final score: England 0 Germany 3.

Markus Weise, the German coach, was gracious enough to say that the encounter had produced a match of semi-final quality and said he felt that English teams were becoming stronger. The fact is that the men have lost out on automatic Olympic qualification and will now have to travel to one of three tournaments in some far flung corner of the globe to battle it out for Olympic qualification, where only the winner takes the prize. England simply need to do a lot better to compete at this level of hockey and I doubt whether a betting man would be buying his air ticket to China any time soon. England’s honour now rests on the shoulders of the women who also meet Germany, this time in a semi final match. England twice beat an out-of-form German side in the World Cup back in the autumn but this looks a very much improved German side.

In the other final pool matches played today, France recorded a surprise victory over Ireland courtesy of a penalty corner conversion by Frederic Soyez the French skipper. Soyez and three of his team were sin binned during the last ten minutes of the match, which was umpired by England’s Hamish Jamson. The Belgians had a field day against the Czechs, with goals by John-John Dohmen (2), Gregory Guscassoff (2), Maxime Luyckx, and Loic Vandeweghe. The afternoon’s big match for neutral supporters was the clash between the Dutch and the Spanish. The Dutch took an early lead from a field goal by Teun de Nooijer but Spain were able to equalise shortly afterwards through a penalty corner strike by Xavier Ribas. The Dutch were 3-1 up at half time, and although the Spanish were able to pull one back in the second half, the Netherlands ran out winners, 4-2. In a day that saw nine yellow cards dished out, none of them was in this match, which I suppose proves that competitive hockey need not be anything but clean!

Our photographs today show Cristopher Zeller just before Germany’s first goal against England and Barry Middleton in the thick of the action in the England attack,

ENGLAND WOMEN SET THEMSELVES UP FOR SEMI FINAL CLASH WITH GERMANS. Words by Peter Colwill and pictures from Peter Luck

ENGLAND’S women will play Germany in the semi finals of the EuroHockey Nations Championships on Thursday in Manchester with the Netherlands facing Spain in the second game. England were today beaten 1-0 by the Netherlands in their final Pool match in a game in which they showed great grit and determination in defence but little penetration up front. With England’s captain Kate Walsh marshalling her defence superbly and herself showing heroic qualities and skills, supported by a string of great saves from goalkeeper Beth Storry, England held out until the 45^th minute. Dutch captain Minke Booij then put her side ahead at their 11^th penalty corner.

Never satisfied with one goal the Dutch continued to press forward only allowing England occasional flurries into their circle. From one rare attack in the 54^th minute after a short period of sustained England pressure, Hannah Macleod got the ball into the Dutch goal but sadly the umpire’s whistle had already been blown. England will take heart from their defensive performance against the Dutch into their semi final encounter

Spain scraped through to the semi-finals thanks to a superior goal difference over Azerbaijan after today losing 1-0 against Germany. Azerbaijan today beat Ukraine 3-1.

The Netherlands were the first men’s side to claim a semi final place following their 1-0 victory against Ireland. It was to be no easy match for the Dutch with Irish goalkeeper David Harte once again in splendid form. The game was still at the dental stage of probing for the nerve when the Dutch scored their solitary goal. Taeke Taekema, their specialist corner striker and five-goal hero of their 8-3 victory on Sunday, scoring from their second penalty corner. The goal was the signal for increased Irish pressure on the Dutch goal where Guus Vogels was required to make two smart saves from Mark Gleghorne and Andy Barbour. The Dutch regained their composure after the interval with Matthijs Brouwer prominent but were denied a second goal by the well organised Irish defence. The Irish could still claim a semi final place with victory over the French tomorrow (Wednesday) and the Dutch beating Spain as they would expect to do, but the Irish will need to be more creative than against the Dutch.

Earlier in the day Spain ran up six goals without a reply against the French never looking back after Xavier Ribas scored the first goal of his hat trick in the 20^th minute. After the opening goal Spain stepped up a gear and asked questions of the increasingly stretched French defence. Spain’s Dutch coach Maurits Hendriks expressed his satisfaction after the game following his disappointment at his team’s performance in their opening game in which they could only draw with the Irish. However, the Spanish, the defending European Champions, could this time easily miss out on a semi final slot.

Our pictures by Peter Luck show Alex Danson (No.15 in white top) in action and Lucilla Wright (white shirt centre of picture) leading an England attack.

ENGLAND NOTCH UP TWO VALUABLE WINS. Words by Peter Colwill and pictures by Peter Luck

Germany’s women were the first to qualify for a semi final place in the Euro Nations Championship in Manchester when they beat Ukraine 7-0 in their second Pool game. England were quick to follow as a result of their 4-0 win against Italy in the following game. Earlier in the day Spain dropped points when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Azerbaijan. Indeed a major surprise result looked likely after just 15 minutes with Azerbaijan, who had created a major controversy at the start of the Championship when they arrived in Manchester with five Korean born players in their squad, were leading 2-0. A penalty corner goal from Rocco Ybarra just before the interval gave Spain a ray of hope before they took advantage as Azerbaijan, reduced to ten players, following the temporary suspension of their captain, conceded another corner in the 51^st minute for Ybarra to collect her second goal and salvage a point.

England may well have ensured qualification for the semi finals by beating Italy 4-0 in their second Pool match but it was a desperately flawed display which does not augur well for later in the tournament. Two players, Rebecca Herbert and Helen Richardson were sent off for not retreating five metres and twice they had free hits reversed for procrastination. These are very basic errors which they cannot afford against stronger opponents.

Richardson gave England the lead in the 10^th minute with a ferocious shot into the roof of the net but Italy should have equalised a minute later but Alexandra Blanco blazed over the bar with only Katy Roberts to beat.

Mel Clewlow increased the lead in the 24^th minute with a well struck shot from the third of England’s six corners and Richardson added a third a minute into the second half sweeping in Chloe Rodgers’ cross. Italy showed little desire to attack until the final quarter and by then they were 4-0 down, Rachel Walker finishing sharply from an opening created by Kerry Williams. Coach Danny Kerry described it as “a frustrating afternoon but we got the job done.”

The Dutch completed the semi final line up following their 6-0 win against Ireland with Kim Lammers scoring four times in the opening thirty minutes.

TODAY’S MEN’S MATCHES

England tonight lead their Pool following a highly competent 7-0 victory over the Czech Republic and now need only a draw against Germany to reach the semi finals. Richard Mantell converted three penalty corners and there was a brace for Brace for Barry Middleton who opened the scoring in the 7^th minute with a fine diving shot after being put through by Glen Kirkham. Matt Daly and Martin Jones completed the scoring and there was little for goalkeeper James Fair to do except applaud although with four minutes remaining Martin Babicky hit the post in a rare Czech attack.

England’s coach Jason Lee was well satisfied with the result. “We have played well throughout and in particular today. We now have got to get a result against the World Champions and World Number One Germany on Wednesday.”

Earlier in the evening Germany squandered the opportunity to be the first men’s team to secure a semi final place when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium. With two penalty corner goals from Matthias Witthaus and Christopher Zeller inside the opening 18 minutes Germany appeared to be coasting to a semi final place. The Belgians had different ideas. A superbly worked routine started by Philippe Goldberg from a free hit just outside the circle set up Loic Vanderweghe to slam the ball home. In a fast and furious, highly entertaining second half the Belgians more than held their own and with just four minutes remaining the ball broke to John-John Dohmen who tucked it into the bottom right hand corner of the goal for a last-gasp equaliser.

Our photographs by Peter Luck show Richard Alexander parrying a rebound off the Czech goalkeeper (Picture 1), James Tindall fighting his way through a packed Czech defence (Picture 2), and Jonty Clarke shooting at goal - his shot was saved by Philip Neusser in the Czech goal (Picture 3).

Photographs and latest pool table from Manchester

Following England women's 4-0 victory over Italy, we have some photos of the action courtesy of Peter Luck.






Photo 1: Alex Danson in the thick of the action in front of the Italian goal.
Photo 2: Helen Richardson celebrating her super strike as she opened the scoring.
Photo 3: Chloe Rogers sets up a second half attack.
Photo 4: All smiles from England coach Danny Kerry and Kate Walsh at the post-match press conference.

A full report on today's matches by Peter Colwill will appear on this blog later.

Result from European Nations Championships

In the final match in Manchester this afternoon, the Dutch men overcame France 8-3 to take the top spot in Pool B.

ENGLAND STUMBLE BUT DO NOT FALL by Bill Colwill in Manchester

Our photos of today’s action between England and Belgium.
Photo 1. Matt Daly being congratulated for the first England goal.
Photo 2. Barry Middleton on the attack closely attended by Maxime Luyokx.
Photo 3. England celebrate the equaliser. Photos courtesy of Peter Luck.

Germany won the opening game on Day 2 of the Qatar Airways EuroHockey Nations Men’s Championship in Manchester at a canter beating the Czech Republic 5-0. The game would have been a complete annihilation of the Czechs but for a brilliant display by their 25 year old goalkeeper Filip Neusser who plays his hockey in the German League for the Gladbacher club. Two goals each from Ben Wess and Carlos Nevado and a goal from Christopher Zeller sealed the win in a fast and physical encounter. German captain Timo Wess said after the game: “It was a typical first match in a tournament, we are satisfied with three points and five goals. We can still improve on some areas and have not yet reached our peak.”

England scraped a precarious 2-2 draw in their opening match which had a feast of goalmouth action at both ends in the second half. Although the penalty corner count of 5-1 in England’s favour would suggest that they were comfortably in control, Belgium - and especially Charles Vandeweghe - were always dangerous on the break. Matt Daly fired England ahead in the 26th minute from their third penalty corner after Richard Mantell had shots which were comfortably saved by Cedric Degreve at the first two. Within five minutes a lack of concentration allowed Belgium to equalise through John-John Dohmen. James Tindall was on the ground with a foot injury but umpire Juan Manuel Requena from Spain allowed play to proceed and the England defence failed to deal with Gregory Gussacoff’s cross which fell to Dohmen. An exquisite exhibition of stick work in the crowded England circle preceded Charles Vandeweghe’s strike to put Belgium ahead ten minutes into the second half. From this point the action flew thick and fast. Jerome Truyens had the ball in the England goal only to see the Spanish umpire indicating a penalty corner. At the other end Simon Mantell had a good effort saved and Jonty Clarke shot wide with the goal invitingly open. A seventy yard run by Dohmen ended with the Belgium shooting wide. When he was suspended a few minutes later England were unable to take advantage but with three minutes remaining Daly’s free hit from deep in the left hand corner was turned in by Barry Middleton for the equaliser. “There’s still all to play for” said Jason Lee, England’s coach. England play the Czech Republic on Monday and Germany in what may be the Pool decider on Wednesday.

Ireland's men created the first major upset of the Championship when they drew 1-1 with Spain the defending European Champions in an entertaining third game of the day. The Spanish never recovered their composure following a second minute goal for the Irish scored by Loughborough Students Mark Gleghorne. It was not until 41 minutes later that Xavier Ribas equalised at a penalty corner. Spain's Dutch coach Maurits Hendriks said after the game: "We had a poor 1st half with very little penetration and although we played better after the interval we failed to take full advantage of seven penalty corners.

Further results and table will appear on this blog later today.

MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE DOES NOT WORK OUT FOR AZERBAIJAN WHILE ENGLAND FIND FORM AGAINST IRELAND by Bill Colwill in Manchester

Spain opened the Qatar Airways Euro Nations Championship in Manchester with a flattering 4-1 victory against Ukraine in the opening game of the women‘s tournament. Spanish captain Silvia Munoz had opened the scoring in the second minute at a penalty corner. The Spanish went further ahead at another corner although their defence then lost their composure and allowed Ukraine to get back into the game with a splendidly taken goal five minutes from the interval. Only brave saves from the Spanish goalkeeper Maria Jesus Rosa prevented the Ukrainians from going into the interval on terms. The second half was very much one-way traffic. Spanish coach, Pablo Usoz said after the game: “It was important to start the Championship with a win in the first game. We got off to a good start and the goal came upon us quickly. I was very pleased with the second half performance”.

The importing of five Koreans following alleged ‘marriages of convenience’ did nothing to prevent a humiliating defeat as Germany ran out 7-1 winners against Azerbaijan. Asked about the inclusion of the Koreans Azerbaijan’s Pakistani coach Tahir Zaman said: “The girls from Korea are in Azerbaijan to promote hockey in the country. They are playing for the ATA Sports Club in Baku to promote League hockey as well as play for Azerbaijan and will be continuing to play for their club for another 10 months.” The ATA club recently listed Indian girls in the European Club Championship but did not in the end play them. Responding to the suggestion that the Koreans had married in Azerbaijan in order to get qualification to play in the tournament Zaman said: “That’s a personal matter in their private lives and not an issue for the coach.”

England made a confident start beating Ireland 3-0 in a skilful and well-contested match which was effectively decided in a crucial five-minute spell just before half time. Leading from an 18th minute goal by Alex Danson (pictured celebrating her goal) England were indebted to goalkeeper Beth Storry for a stunning save to deny Nikki Symons whose flicked penalty corner looked destined to equalise. Within two minutes England went 2-0 ahead. Christa Cullen deliberatively under hit a penalty corner shot for Lucilla Wright to deflect into goal.

From that point England looked in little danger with the defence of Anne Panter, Kate Walsh, Cullen and Mel Clewlow well in command. Danson might have scored again but had a good effort saved by Mary Goode. There was nothing Goode could do about England’s third goal. With three minutes left a dazzling run by Kerry Williams created a simple chance for Cathy Gilliat-Smith.
In the last game of the day there were no surprises when the Dutch women easily overcame Italy 8-1 with goals from Paumen, Agliotti(2), Mulder(2), Booij(2) and Van As. The Italian scorer was Francesca Faustini.

The men open their tournament tomorrow (Sunday). England meet Belgium at mid-day

Eurosport coverage of Euro Nations in Manchester

We have been advised that British Eurosport are covering the European Nations Cup in Manchester as per the schedule below. Keep checking this blog for details of our own coverage, which we will be publishing soon.

Saturday 18^th August 2007
15.00-16.30 – Live women’s group stage: England vs. Ireland

Sunday 19^th August 2007
15.00-16.30 – Delayed men’s group stage: England vs. Belgium

Monday 20^th August 2007
11.00-12.30 – Live women’s group stage: Germany vs. Ukraine
15.00-16.30 – Live women’s group stage: Netherlands vs. Ireland
17.30-18.30 – Live men’s group stage: Germany vs. Belgium
19.00-20.30 – Live men’s group stage: England vs. Czech Republic

Tuesday 21^st August 2007
13.45-15.00 – Delayed women’s group stage: England vs. Italy
15.00-16.30 – Live women’s group stage: Ireland vs. Italy
17.15-18.30 – Live women’s group stage: Germany vs. Spain
18.30-19.00 – Women’s group stage action
19.00-20.30 – Live women’s group stage: England vs. Netherlands

Wednesday 22^nd August 2007
17.15-18.30 – Live men’s group stage: Spain vs. Netherlands

Thursday 23^rd August 2007
16.00-16.45 - Live women’s semi-finals
17.00-17.30 – Live women’s semi-finals
17.30-18.30 – Delayed women’s semi-finals
18.30-20.00 – Live women’s semi-finals

Friday 24^th August 2007
16.00-17.30 – Live men’s semi-finals
18.45-20.00 – Live men’s semi-finals

Saturday 25^th August 2007
16.15-16.30 – Delayed women’s third place play-off
16.30-18.00 – Live women’s final

Sunday 26^th August 2007
15.45-17.00 – Live men’s final

NETHERLANDS WIN UNDER 21 TOURNAMENT

England finished a disappointing seventh out of the eight teams taking part in the Under 21 Eight Nations Tournament at the Warsteiner Hockeypark in Monchengladbach this afternoon. After their decisive victory over the Poles yesterday, they met Germany to decide their final place. England were one down after Zwicker scored from open play in the first few minutes of the match. The Germans went 2-0 up minutes later, but a goal by David Condon gave England some hope and shortly after half time Peter Dobson scored an equaliser from a penalty corner. But the Germans started to race ahead with two penalty corner conversions of their own. Wuterich gave the Germans a four goal lead with six minutes of play left, although Loughborough Students’ James Osborn managed to pull one back in the dying seconds. Final score: Germany 6 England 3.

The gold medal was won by the Netherlands after a decisive 7-1 victory over Belgium. Spain took the bronze. Final placings: 1. Netherlands, 2. Belgium, 3. Spain, 4. India, 5. Germany, 6. Malaysia, 7. England, 8. Poland

ENGLAND WIN PLACE IN 5th/6th PLAY OFF by Pat Rowley

A week before England go into battle in the European Cup at Manchester, England’s youngsters picked up a second win in the Eight Nations Under 21 tournament at Monchengladbach with a comfortable 5-2 victory over Poland. Majchrzak surprised England by snatching an early goal for Poland but England took control with three corner goals. Beeston’s Adam Dixon scored his fourth goal of the event for the equaliser and then captain Chris Pryce (Canterbury) weighed in with a brace. England’s youngest player, 16-year-old David Condon of the Loughborough Sharks scored the goal of the game after a pitch long counter-attack to put England 4-1 ahead. Kozlowski added Poland’s second but England remained on top with James Osborn (Loughborough Students) adding their fifth.

England now have to beat hosts Germany tomorrow (Sunday) to claim fifth place.

ENGLAND MEDAL HOPE DASHED BY BELGIANS

After England scored a surprise victory against the Netherlands on Wednesday, they faced Belgium this afternoon in the Under 21 Eight Nations tournament in Monchengladbach. Belgian Alexendre De Paeuw struck with a well taken field goal midway through the first half, but Peter Dobson equalised on the stroke of half time via a mis-hit shot by Richard Smith. The second half was only seconds old when Simon Gougnard put the Belgians back in front. The margin was increased when De Paeuw scored his second. With less than ten minutes to play Chris Pryce converted a penalty corner and the scored remained at 3-2 until the final whistle.

Unfortunately we have not been able to secure the results from other matches, so we do not have a playing schedule for the cross over matches tomorrow.

GRIFFITHS GIVES ENGLAND LAST GASP VICTORY

England scored a surprise victory against the Dutch in the Under 21 Eight Nations tournament in Monchengladbach this afternoon. Beeston’s Adam Dixon opened the scoring from a penalty corner after eight minutes. Richard Smith found the net for England from a reverse stick strike after ten minutes of second half play . Despite constant pressure from the Dutch, a well-marshalled defence kept them at bay until De Voogd scored from open play. Adam Dixon scored his second from a penalty corner, but field goals from Gerritsen and van der Weerden put the Dutch on equal terms with four minutes left to play. It was Chris Griffiths from the Stourport club that restored England’s lead with two minutes left on the clock. Final score 4-3 to England.

Tomorrow (Thursday) is a rest day. England play Belgium, who beat Malaysia 1-0 today, on Friday.

ENGLAND SUFFER DEFEATS AT HOME AND AWAY by Pat Rowley

The England A side, having ended the Australian Institute of Sport’s run of success on their European tour with a 4-3 victory on Monday, lost the return match at Nottingham 5-1. Cannock’s Richard Lane who scored twice on Monday, did give England an early lead.

England’s Under 21 side were beaten 2-1 by Malaysia on the first day of an eight nation tournament at Monchengladbach. Adam Dixon converted a penalty for England after they had conceded two goals inside a quarter of an hour.

SECOND HALF REVIVAL GIVES 'A' VICTORY

An England men's A team played the Australian Institute of Sport at Highfields this evening (Monday). The Australians took the lead after only two minutes but Reading's Andy Watts scored an equaliser from the penalty spot ten minutes later. Australia were quick with a reply with a field goal by Turner and scored third from a penalty corner just before the break. They nearly went further ahead in early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty stroke, which fortunately Sorello failed to convert. It was Cannock's Richard Lane who forced England back into the match with two second half goals, and with two minutes left Ben Hawes gave England the victory from a penalty corner conversion. Final score 4-3 to England. The teams meet again at 16:00 tomorrow at Highfields.

A BAD DAY FOR ENGLAND'S MEN - A GOOD DAY FOR ENGLAND'S WOMEN

England have failed to record a win in their three matches in the Hamburg Masters. Playing Belgium this afternoon (Sunday) they got off to a poor start when Briels scored from an easy rebound from a penalty corner after only eight minutes to give Belgium the lead. Ashley Jackson was able to put the sides on even terms from a drag flick penalty corner conversion and ten minutes later England took the lead through Simon Mantell in open play. Shortly after the restart Dohmen equalised for Belgium. Brett Garrard had a deflection at goal saved spectacularly by van Rysselberghe but, during the counter-attack, a foul on a Belgium player in the English circle resulted in a penalty stroke which was converted by Thomas van den Balck. The score remained at 3-2 to Belgium, giving the Belgians their only victory in this tournament.

MEANWHILE THE ENGLISH WOMEN WERE playing the second of two training matches against the Scots at Belle Vue. England were three up within ten minutes, with goals by Cathy Gilliat-Smith (2) and Crista Cullen. Further goals by Gilliat-Smith and Cullen, plus goals from Kate Walsh and Mel Clewlow. Final score, England 7 Scotland 1.

ENGLAND SHOW PROMISE AGAINST WORLD CHAMPIONS by Pat Rowley

England led Germany twice but lost 4-3 to the world champions for a second defeat in the Hamburg Masters. Germany stole the winner with less than two minutes left on the clock. With the European Cup at Manchester just a fortnight away, coach Jason Lee was delighted with England’s form, commenting, “We are now playing proper hockey, getting better all the time”. James Tindall (Surbiton, pictured) gave England a 10^th minute lead but the Germans came back with goals by Philip Witte and Christoph Zeller. Another Surbiton player, Matt Daly, made it 2-2 before half time with a brilliant individual effort and Barry Middleton slotted a rebound to put England ahead again after 54 minutes. Despite James Fair’s brilliance in goal, England conceded two late goals, a second to Zeller before Matthias Witthaus snatched the winner.

England play Belgium this tomorrow in their final game of the four nation tournament.

ENGLAND WON THE FIRST OF TWO TRAINING MATCHES AGAINST SCOTLAND at Belle Vue this afternoon, with goals by Jo Ellis, Rebecca Herbert, Crista Cullen, and Kerry Williams. Final score 4-1 to England. England play a second match against Scotland at Belle Vue tomorrow.

Correction to our report of 2/8/07

There is no play in the Hamburg Masters today (Friday). The tournament resumes tomorrow.

SPAIN REIGN IN HAMBURG MASTERS

England got off to a disappointing start in the Hamburg Masters tournament in Germany this afternoon. Playing Spain in their opening match they managed to keep Spain at bay for much of the first half but went down to a field goal by Victor Sojo in the 28^th minute. Edi Tubau scored Spain’s second three minutes into the second half. Reading’s Jonty Clarke gave England a chance of getting back into the match with a goal in open play ten minutes later but Pol Amat (pictured) had the last word, scoring Spain’s third. England did not manage to force a penalty corner until the last five minutes of play but Cortez in the Spanish goal managed to pull off a lucky save from the resulting shot. Final score 3-1 to Spain.

England play Germany tomorrow. Germany punished a Belgian side in their match today, taking a 5-0 lead by half-time. Final score: Germany 6 Belgium 0.