CHAMPIONS TROPHY ENDS IN EIGHT GOAL FINAL

After a disappointing 0-0 draw yesterday, Argentina and Germany were back in action today in the finals of the Women’s Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach. This time around the goals came freely, with Argentina going into the break 3-1 up from goals by Garcia, Gulla, and Rebecchi. Germany’s goal came off the stick of Janine Beermann. Both sides doubled their score in the second half with Gulla scoring two more to give her a hat trick, and a goal from Argentina’s Claudia Burkart and Germany’s Kerstin Hoyer. Final score 6-2.

The bronze medal was won by the Netherlands who defeated China 3-0. Australia finished fifth after beating Japan 3-0.

LEADERS' DRAW KILLS DUTCH HOPES

In the last of the round-robin stage matches in the Women’s Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach this afternoon, the Netherlands grabbed the three points they needed, winning their game against Australia 2-1. Unfortunately, Argentina and Germany failed to play ball and finished their match with a scoreless draw. Their draw means that they both tie on 10 points and the same goal difference, and they play each other again tomorrow in the final. The Netherlands, despite their win today, finish third and they will play China for the bronze medal. Surprisingly, Australia could only manage a fifth place and will play Japan in the 5^th/6^th play off.

TOP OF TABLE CLASH MAY GIVE DUTCH FINAL PLACE

Today (Saturday) is crunch day in the Women’s Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach. Playing the final matches in the round-robin stage, the two leaders are pitted against each other this afternoon. Argentina and Germany are joint top, both on nine points and with identical goal difference (+3). Surprisingly, the Netherlands are in third place on six points after a surprising 1-0 defeat at the hands of bottom placed Japan on Wednesday, followed by a 2-0 defeat by Argentina the following day. The Netherlands play Australia, who are in fourth place, in the last of today’s matches. The Netherlands could find themselves in tomorrow’s final if they record a win against Australia. The Dutch currently have a goal difference of zero and a win by either of the contestants in today’s top of the table clash could let the Netherlands in. They will be relying on their top goal scorer, Marilyn Agliotti (pictured), to be on form for today’s vital match.

ARGENTINA AND GERMANY RECORD THIRD DAY VICTORIES

Rosario Luchetti (pictured right playing in the recent match against GB) gave Argentina a useful three points by scoring the winner in their 2-1 win over Australia in the Women's Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach. In the other match this evening, Germany overcame Japan 2-1. Netherlands, Argentina and Germany top the table on six points but the Dutch have a game in hand. Australia and China are on three points, with Japan trailing with no points after three matches.

NETHERLANDS LEAD CHAMPIONS TROPHY

The women’s Samsung Champions Trophy resumes play in Monchengladbach this evening after Monday’s rest day. The Dutch have confirmed their dominance of the women’s game by wins over Germany (2-1) and China (3-1) during the weekend. This leaves them as the only nation on maximum points. The Netherlands do not play again until tomorrow evening when they face Japan, who have yet to pick up a point in the tournament so far. Australia, Argentina, Germany, and China are all on three points after two games.

This evening Australia play Argentina, whilst Japan face Germany.

GRRIFITHS PROVIDES STING IN BEES' TAIL by Peter Savage at Highfields

One never knows what to expect of Beeston, and their cup final match against Bowdon at home at Highfields proved no exception. Taking an early lead from a goal by David Seddon, Beeston seemed to be on cruise control when Mark Wadsley scored their second after twenty minutes. Seddon scored his second four minutes into the second half and the whole final appeared to be done and dusted. All that was left to do was to engrave Beeston’s name on the cup. But a few minutes later Pakistan international Ali Ghazanfar found the net from a penalty corner. If anyone thought this was just a consolation goal they were mistaken. Ghazanfar repeated the trick shortly afterwards and suddenly Beeston were on the ropes. It was Ghazanfar’s hat-trick, this time from open play, that put the two sides on even terms. Beeston looked badly rattled as they saw victory slip through their fingers but with six minutes left on the clock their skipper, David Griffiths, was the saviour of the day with a goal in open play. Bowdon kept pressing forward and with less than a minute left forced a penalty corner, which went just wide of Beeston’s near post. Final score 4-3 to Beeston. Our picture shows Beeston’s David Griffiths receiving the EH Cup from England Hockey president Martin Gotheridge

The women’s final between Leicester and Slough was a disappointing affair. Those who had witnessed the final game of the season between these two sides were expecting something better. A single goal from Leicester’s Anne Panter gave Leicester the cup.

GREAT BRITAIN SHOW CONFIDENCE AGAINST ARGENTINES by Peter Savage in Reading

Yesterday had been a yawn. Today kept you on the edge of your seat. What a difference a day makes. If yesterday’s match lacked passion as each side got the measure of each other, those who had come for two days were rewarded with a far more entertaining spectacle. This evening’s match saw a GB side growing in confidence that was prepared to take on their opponents on equal terms. An early goal from Becky Herbert added to GB’s confidence with an early goal in open play. Territorially Argentina had the better of the first half but poor finishing and some good 'keeping by Beth Story enabled GB to hold their lead until near to half time, when Luciana Aymar equalised from a penalty corner. But the equaliser did not herald a GB collapse and sixteen minutes into the second half they were rewarded for their tenacity by a Laura Bartlett goal. Minutes later we were pinching ourselves – and remember this is the world’s number two side that GB were playing – as Hayley Brown netted GB’s third. Aymar tried to rally her side with some superb mid-field play and it was a penetrating run by her that allowed Maria De La Paz Hernandez to score Argentina’s second (pictured). But if this was a Argentine revival it was soon reversed by GB’s fourth and final goal, courtesy of a penalty corner conversion by Mel Clewlow. Final score 4-2 to GB. The match ended in rather bizarre style as umpire Bruce Bale had to leave the pitch with a dislocated shoulder, to be replaced by the hugely experienced Margaret Hunnaball who was was there as an umpire coach.

Of course, this is not the Olympic Games and an Argentine side playing in Beijing is likely to be a different proposition. But GB can take a great deal of encouragement from this result.

ENGLAND ROBBED OF DRAW IN CLOSING MINUTES by Peter Savage in Reading

Great Britain played the first of a two match series against the women from Argentina at Reading this evening. Argentina are on their way to play in the Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach. The game got off to a tentative start, with neither side appearing to wish to test the other, although GB had the balance of the penalty corners. Reaching the break at 0-0, the match came to life in the second half with a goal from Argentina’s Alesjandra Gulla. This seemed to spark GB into life, with a reply from a penalty corner nine minutes later off the stick of Mel Clewlow. Argentina restored their lead shortly after with a penalty corner strike – Gulla again the scorer. But GB were starting to play with increasing confidence and were threatening at corners. It was from a corner that GB scored their second, courtesy of Jo Ellis (Bowdon Hightown). It looked as if GB might hold Argentina to a draw but in the closing minutes GB were pegged back by a goal from Agustina Garcia. Final score 3-2 to Argentina. A creditable performance by GB against class opposition.

WOMEN’S EUROPEAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS IN COLOGNE

We have to apologise for publishing some incorrect information yesterday in relation to Leicester’s position in this competition. We were working from official sources, but it seems that these were wrong. Leicester finished third and not second in their pool and so played in the 3^rd/4^th place crossover against Sialuliai Gintra, winning the match 2-1. They finish in joint fifth place. The competition was won by the holders, Den Bosch, who beat Spanish side, Club de Campo 7-0 in the final.

GERMANS ENJOY DOUBLE CELEBRATION

Great Britain has lost the three-match test series against Germany, losing 2-1 in Dusseldorf today. The match remained goalless until well into the second half when Sebastian Draguhn scored from a penalty corner. Richard Mantell replied five minutes later from a corner but Jan Marco Montag (pictured) gave Germany the lead with twelve minutes left on the clock. Final score 2-1.

It was a double celebration day for the Germans as Benjamin Kopp scored the winning silver goal for Uhlenhorster against Dutch side HGC in the first ever final of the EuroHockey League in Rotterdam. Both of today’s matches were close run things with the 3^rd / 4^th place match between Rotterdam and Spain’s Club Egara going to a shoot-out after the match ended at 2-2.

The result of the match between Leicester and Rot-Weiss Koln in the Women’s European Club Championships will appear here later.

GB DRAW SECOND TEST. A round-up of today's hockey.

The return to form of Richard Mantell as Great Britain’s principal penalty corner striker was in evidence again this afternoon as GB took on Germany in the second of their three match test series in Essen. GB got off to an unpromising start, going two behind within the first four minutes thanks to goals from Niklas Meinhart and Sebastian Draguhn. GB nearly managed to get to the break on level terms after penalty corner conversions from Matt Daly (pictured) and Richard Mantell, but Matthais Witthaus put Germany back into the lead from a penalty corner. The second half was a few minutes old when James Tindall was fouled in the circle and Richard Mantell stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty stroke. Fourteen minutes later Mantell scored his hat trick with a penalty corner strike to briefly give Great Britain the lead. Unfortunately, Mantell was not the only player on the pitch who was finding the net from corners and with five minutes left Matthais Witthaus put the sides on even terms. Final score 4-4. GB play Germany again tomorrow in their final match, a game which may decide this three-match series.

Leicester women recorded a victory this afternoon in their second match of the European Club Championships in Cologne, beating Ritm Grodno 6-1. Leicester’s fortunes may well hang on the outcome of the match between host club Rot-Weiss Koln and Club de Campo being played later today. Leicester drew against the Spanish yesterday and play their final pool match against Koln tomorrow. Meanwhile, in Pool A, ‘s-Hertogenbosch continued their march towards the championships with a 10-0 win over Volga Telecom.

EUROHOCKEY LEAGUE SEMI FINALS IN ROTTERDAM by Susan Edgehill in Rotterdam and Peter Savage.

It was a devastated Club Egara side that left the pitch after the first of the EuroHockey League Semi Finals in Rotterdam this afternoon. Much against the run of play they managed to take a 1-0 lead into the second half in their match against Uhlenhorster, David Alegre scoring the opener. It was a lead that they managed to increase to 2-0 four minutes into the second half after a terrific run by skipper Eduard Tubau was put over the line by Jordi Clapes. Uhlenhorster seemed to be getting back into the match when Patrick Breitenstein converted a penalty corner but the turning point came when Club Egara’s Ramon Romeu found himself sitting out a green card. A Moritz Falcke cross was tipped into the goal by Phillip Sunkel to put the sides on two apiece. The goal was originally credited to Jonas Furste but watching the replay it became obvious that Furste was some distance from the action when the ball went in the net. It just goes to prove what enthusiastic goal celebrations can do! With less than eight minutes remaining Club Egara left Christopher Amend unmarked and his shot from the edge of the circle looped over the unfortunate ‘keeper to give Uhlenhorster the lead for the first time. A minute later Felix Oldhafer was deemed to have been fouled by Cortes in the Club Egara goal and the ensuing penalty corner was converted by Patrick Breitenstein. Just to add to Club Egara’s misery, Benjamin Kopp pushed through a crowd of players to make the score 5-2.

So Uhlenhorster go through to tomorrow’s final against the winner of the all-Dutch match between HGC and Rotterdam. Missing some of their key players on international duties, Rotterdam were a shadow of the side that knocked out Reading in the previous round. HGC’s giant defender Bram Lomans opened the scoring with a penalty corner conversion, followed by field goals from Rody Hofkamp and Timmo Kranstauber. Rotterdam’s fearsome penalty corner striker, Pakistan international Sohail Abbas, managed to pull one back, but HGC went into the break with a 4-1 lead thanks to a goal from Joris Albers. In the second half Rotterdam seemed to be on the verge of a revival with a goal from Jeroen Hertzberger and a second penalty corner conversion from Abass. But the match slipped away from them as Albers scored his second and Barry Middleton and Ken Pereira added their names to the scoresheet. Rotterdam were able to get a late consolation goal just before the final hooter, courtesy of Michiel van Vugt, but the final scoreline of 7-4 in HGC’s favour means that Rotterdam will play in the 3^rd/4^th place match against Club Egara tomorrow.

LEICESTER IN DISAPPOINTING START TO EURO CAMPAIGN

A weekend of European hockey action has begun with Leicester playing in the Women's European Club Championships in Cologne. Meeting the strong Spanish side from Club de Campo, they could only achieve a 2-2 draw. The favourites to win this competition, the Dutch from 's-Hertogenbosch, sent out a signal to the other clubs by beating the Lithuanian contenders from Siauliai Gintra 11-0. 's-Hertogenbosch have won this competition every year since 2000 and the closest that another club has come to knocking them off their perch was Leicester in last year's final. Although some of Leicester's GB players have been released for the weekend, they are still without Rebecca Herbert and Kerry Williams (pictured).
The final rounds of the EuroHockey League are played this weekend in Rotterdam. There is no longer a British club involved in the finals, although some English interest remains in the fortunes of Dutch club HGC, whose Barry Middleton has been released from GB commitments so that he can play for his club.

GREAT BRITAIN DRAW FIRST TEST AGAINST GERMANY

Great Britain achieved a creditable draw against world champions Germany in the first of a three match test series in Dusseldorf this evening (Thursday). GB's Simon Mantell opened the scoring from a pass from Matt Daly in the 24th minute. After the break the Germans came back strongly, with Sebastian Draghaun scoring from a penalty corner, followed by a goal in open play by Florian Keller. With under two minutes left to play Jonty Clarke (pictured) netted the ball after Ashley Jackson had won the ball in midfield and broken into the circle. Final score 2-2.

Great Britain play the second of the series against Germany on Saturday.

GB SQUAD TO FACE ARGENTINA ANNOUNCED

The GB women’s squad has been announced ahead of next week’s matches against Argentina. The squad consists of Laura Batlett and Abigail Walker (Milne Craig Western), Hayley Brown and Mel Clewlow (Canterbury), Charlotte Craddock (Cannock), Alex Danson and Kate Walsh (Slough), Jo Ellis (Ipswich), Jo Ellis and Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown), Susie Gilbert (Birmingham University), Rebecca Herbert and Kerry Williams (Leicester), Katy Roberts, Chloe Rogers and Lisa Wooding (Chelmsford), Beth Story (SCHC), Sarah Thomas (Rotterdam), Rachel Walker and Lucilla Wright (Olton & West Warcs). Some of the Leicester players have been omitted to allow them to take part in the Women’s European Club Championships in Cologne this weekend.

The matches between GB and Argentina take place at 19:00 at Reading Hockey Club next Monday and Tuesday.

DICK WITHDRAWS FROM GB SQUAD AHEAD OF TESTS

The unavailability of Barry Middleton to the GB squad due to club commitments has been followed by the withdrawal of Scot Stephen Dick (pictured) due to illness. Great Britain are due to play a three match test series against Germany in Dusseldorf starting tomorrow (Thursday). The full squad is Richard Alexander, Matt Daly, ben Hawes, Ben Marsden, Rob Moore and James Tindall (Surbiton), John Bleby and Alistair McGregor (Loughborough Students), Jonty Clarke, Richard Mantell and Simon Mantell (Reading), James Fair (Cannock), Ashley Jackson and Glenn Kirkham (East Grinstead), Graham Moodie (Western Wildcats), Mark Ralph and Nial Stott (Kelbourne), and Alistair Wilson (Beeston).

MIDDLETON TO MISS LAST MINUTE TEST SERIES

Great Britain men have booked a series of test matches against the World Champions, starting this Thursday (8 May). They will play Germany in Dusseldorf on 8^th May, 10^th May and 11May 2008. Barry Middleton (pictured) has been released from the squad so that he can play for his club, HGC, in the EuroHockey League finals in Rotterdam this weekend.

BEESTON THOUGH TO FINAL and news from the EHL Qualifying Tournament

Beeston have shown themselves to be a very unpredictable side this season, but they left nobody in any doubt that they were looking for cup glory when they played Havant at home in the semi-finals of the England Hockey Cup today. Beeston took a lead into the second half with goals from Tom Sherratt and David Griffiths but goals from Simon Faulkner and Andrew Pett briefly put the two sides on level terms. Beeston then piled on the pressure, first Wayne Rowlands scoring, and then Jamie Parker and Adam Dixon finding the net les than 60 seconds apart. Final score 5-2. Beeston will have the home advantage when they play Bowdon in the final at Highfields on 17 May.

Picture (right): Beeston's Tom Sherratt, who scored his side's opening goal.

It was two very contrasting tails for the EHL clubs who found themselves fighting for survival in the Slazenger England Hockey League Qualifying Play-offs in Cannock this afternoon. Kingston-upon-Hull finally finished at the bottom of the men’s table with zero points after they met Durham University. Hull must have thought their luck had changed when Anthony Keld opened the scoring after only five minutes but goals by the students’ Richard Jenkin, Chris Borrett and James Warburton, plus two penalty stroke conversions by Andrew Baggs, ended Hull’s campaign in disappointment. Final score 5-1 to Durham University and they are promoted to the EHL. Harleston Magpies may count themselves unlucky when they played this morning’s leaders, Cardiff & UWIC. Despite winning 3-1 the goal difference was not sufficient to unseat the Welsh side from one of the promotion spots. All three top sides on 10 points but Cardiff and Durham were promoted on the back of a better goal difference. In the other match of the day, James Seager scored a hat-trick, including two penalty strokes, in their 7-4 win over Harborne.

In the women’s play-offs, Horsham stay in the EHL after a 6-0 win over Springfield UCLAN. Southgate secured the other promotion spot with a 5-1 win over Matlock Baileans. Holcombe played bottom placed Lansdown and came out the 6-1 winners.

The final tables are as follows:

Men’s qualifying play offs:
1. Durham University (North) 10 Pts (+7 won 16) Promoted to EHL
2. Cardiff & UWIC (West) 10 Pts (+7 won 15) Promoted to EHL
3. Harleston Magpies (East) 10 Pts (+4).
4. Fareham (South) 8 Pts (+11)
5. Harborne (Midlands) 4 Pts (-4)
6. Kingston-upon-Hull (EHL) 0 Pts (-25) Relegated from EHL

Women’s qualifying play offs:
1. Horsham (EHL) 13 Pts (+14) Remain in EHL
2. Southgate (South) 10 Pts (+9) Promoted to EHL
3. Holcombe (East) 8 Pts (+6)
4. Springfield UCLAN (North) 7 Pts (-8)
5. Matlock Baileans (Midlands) 4 Pts (-7)
6. Lansdown (West) 0 Pts (-14)

GREAT BRITAIN WOMEN FACE ARGENTINA IN OLYMPIC DRAW

No sooner was the ink dry on the results of the last Olympic Qualifiers when the International Hockey Federation has announced the pools for the women’s Olympic tournament in Beijing. Great Britain find themselves in Pool B with the Argentinians, who they are scheduled to play at Reading HC next week. Also in GB’s pool is Germany, who won the European Nations Championship in Manchester last year. The world No.1 women’s side, the Netherlands, are in Pool A, along with Australia and China. The full pools are (world ranking shown in brackets):

Pool A
Netherlands (1)
Australia (4)
China (5)
Spain (8)
Korea (9)
South Africa (12)

Pool B
Argentina (2)
Germany (3)
Japan (6)
New Zealand (7)
Great Britain (10)
USA (11)

KOREA TAKE LAST OLYMPIC PLACE WHILST IRELAND FINISH THIRD

Ireland managed third place in the Olympic Qualifiers in Victoria (Canada) yesterday, whilst Korea strolled passed Italy in the final, beating them 5-0. Korea take the final Olympic place and it is expected that the draw for the women’s tournament will be announced by the FIH in the next few days. Ireland’s 3^rd/4^th place play-off match against Canada ended 2-1, with goals from Ireland’s Jenny McDonnough (pictured) and Cathy McKean. The 5^th/6^th place match was won on penalty strokes after the game between Malaysia and Uruguay ended 2-2.

CARDIFF AND HORSHAM LEAD PLAY-OFFS

Cardiff & UWIC increased their lead at the top of the table in the men’s EHL Qualifying Play-offs at Cannock this afternoon beating Kingston-upon-Hull 7-1. They are now three points ahead of Durham University and Harleston Magpies, both on seven points. Durham could only draw against Fareham 2-2, whilst Harleston overcame Harborne 3-2. In the women’s competition leaders Horsham increased their chances of retaining their EHL status by beating Lansdown 4-1. Springfield UCLAN, who were second this morning, were beaten by Southgate 6-1 and drop to third place, separated on goal difference from second placed Southgate.

The final matches will be played tomorrow,

FINAL SHOCK FOR IRELAND

The final of the last of the women’s Olympic Qualifiers will be played later today in Victoria, Canada, and the match will be between Korea and Italy. In the last of the round-robin matches yesterday, Ireland lost 2-0 to Italy in the match to decide who would go through to the final against the favourites, Korea. Korea beat Canada 4-0 in an earlier match and have completed the preliminary stages undefeated. Ireland will play Canada to decide the third place, whilst Uruguay and Malaysia will play a repeat of yesterday’s match, which was won 3-0 by Malaysia, to decide who takes the wooden spoon.

Late Results

In the Men’s Vase Final UCL Academicals beat South Nottingham 4-3.

In the EHL Qualifying Play-offs at Cannock, Durham University move into second place after winning 3-0 against Harleston Magpies. The table now looks as follows, with two more games to play: 1. Cardiff & UCIW 7 Pts (+3), 2. Durham University 6 Pts (+3), 3. Fareham 4 Pts (+8), 4. Harleston Magpies 4 Pts (+1), 5. Harborne 4 Pts (+0), 6. Kingston-upon-Hull 0 pts (-15).

In the women’s qualifying tournament the match between Springfield UCLAN and Holcombe ended in a 2-2 draw. The table is now: 1. Horsham 7 Pts (+5), 2. Springfield UCLAN 7 Pts (+3), 3. Southgate 4 Pts (+0), 4. Matlock Baileans 4 Pts (+0), 5. Holcombe 2 Pts (-2), 6. Lansdown 0 Pts (-6).

BOWDON, SLOUGH AND LEICESTER BOOK PLACE IN CUP FINALS

An early goal by Simon Lanyon was not enough to see Reading through to another EH Cup Final. Their semi final match ended in disappointment at Bowdon this afternoon. Pakistan international Ali Ghazanfar equalised from a penalty corner and two second half goals in the space of two minutes, one from Simon Egerton and a second from Ghazanfar, gave Bowdon a place in the final at Beeston on 17 May. They will play either Beeston or Havant who will be playing in the second semi-final on Monday.

In the women’s semis, Staines from National South, were overwhelmed by 8-0 by Leicester, with goals from Hannah Macleod (2), Crista Cullen, Katie Long, Lucy Brown, Alexis Williamson (PS), Abi Harper and Lauren Turner, whilst Slough beat Bowdon Hightown 3-2. The scorers for Slough were Jane Smith (2) and Chloe Strong.

Meanwhile at Old Loughtonians, Banbury beat Rotherham 6-2 in the Harrod UK Men’s Trophy final. The Women’s Trophy was won by Buckingham 3-2 in their match against Teddington. In the Women’s Vase Sonning beat Camberley and Farnborough 2-0. The result of the Men’s Vase between South Nottingham and UCL Academicals is still awaited.

The Slazenger England Hockey League qualifying play-offs have now moved to Cannock where the final matches will be played over the next three days. In the men’s tournament Cardiff lost their 100% record when they could only draw 2-2 against Harborne. They still lead the table. In the women’s tournament Horsham renewed their chances in remaining in the EHL with a 3-0 win over Southgate. They move into the pole position but with the result of the match between Springfield UCLAN and Holcombe still to come in.

We will bring you the outstanding results later.

KOREA MOVE AHEAD OF IRELAND IN OLYMPIC QUALIFIER

Yesterday’s crunch match between Korea and Ireland in the last of the women’s Olympic Qualifiers in Victoria, Canada, ended predictably with a 5-1 win for the Koreans, who now lead the table on maximum points. Italy’s opportunity to move into second place was lost when they could only achieve a 0-0 draw against Malaysia. Canada won their match against Uruguay 5-0.

The table currently stands as follows: 1. Korea 12 pts (+24), 2. Ireland 9 pts (+2), 3. Italy 7 pts (+0), 4. Canada 6 pts (+3), 5. Malaysia 1 pt (-9), 6. Uruguay 0 pts (-20).

There is no play today (Friday) and matches resume with the last of the round-robin stage games tomorrow. Ireland play Italy, which could well be the decider as to who takes the second place in the finals. Korea are almost certainly going to be too strong for their Canadian opponents when they meet.

The final will be played on Sunday.