In was the end of an era for English clubs in the elite Women Club Championship Cup tournament in Den Bosch when Slough were beaten 3-4 by Sumchanka from the Ukraine with the result that if the competition continues in the present format, Bowdon Hightown, the current English League champions, will be playing in the second tier Champions Trophy competition next season. Ironically it was Slough who achieved England's premier place back in 1991. The saving grace could be the restructuring of the women's club and cup competitions on somewhat similar lines to the men's Euro League competition which is currently under discussion. Lack of suitable sponsorship in these hard economic times may, however, prevent the restructure.
Slough had much the better of this match including 12 penalty corners to Sumchanka's two but some sloppy defending gifted the Ukrainian club goals at critical moments.
Bohdana Sadova was unmarked at the top of the circle when she opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Seven minutes later Halyna Hlynenko slipped behind Natalie Bell to tip in a cross for the second.
Slough might have gone further behind but for a goal line clearance by Hannah Coulson at the start of the second half. A penalty corner deflected in by Alex Scott narrowed the gap but Sumchanka struck back through Yana Vorushylo's penalty stroke. With 12 minutes left Ashleigh Ball forced in a penalty corner rebound but Sumchanka's response was immediate with Olena Derkach scoring on the break. Another corner swept in by Scott four minutes from time was not enough to force penalties.
Eurohockey Women's Club Championship Cup, Den Bosch, Netherlands.
Day 4:
5/8th Royal Antwerp 1 Volga Telecom (Rus) 2
5/8th Slough 3 Sumchanka (Ukr) 4
Results to follow:
3/4th CD Terrassa (Spn) Atasport (Aze) –
Final: Den Bosch Berliner
