England Off To Bright Start Against India

England played the first of a series of three matches against India at Birmingham University this evening as part of their warm-up for the European Nations in Amsterdam next month.

Despite torrential rain the match got off to a bright start with a goal from Ben Hawes within the first 60 seconds. Dhananjay Mahadhik replied for India from a penalty corner shortly afterwards but Barry Middleton was able to restore England's lead in the 18^th minute.

The match remained without further goals for 50 minutes before Richard Smith put the icing on England's cake with a penalty corner strike with two minutes left on the clock. It was Smith's first goal as a senior international.

Final score 3-1 to England. England play the second match of the series on Friday evening at the same venue.

England squad against India: Jonty Clarke (Reading), James Fair (Cannock), Ben Hawes (Surbiton), Ashley Jackson (HGC), Glenn Kirkham (East Grinstead), Iain Mackay (Reading),
Richard Mantell (Reading), Barry Middleton (HGC), Richard Smith (Loughborough Students), James Tindall (Surbiton), Ali Wilson (Beeston), Ali Brogdon (Bowdon), Adam Dixon (Beeston), Martin Jones (Beeston), Simon Mantell (HGC) and Rob Moore (Surbiton).

AND NOW FOR SOME GOOD NEWS from Susan Edghill at Bisham Abbey

England took on the Netherlands at Bisham Abbey on this morning (Sunday) and beat them 3-2 in a pulsating match in front of a crowd of around 850. A warm up match for the Euro Nations Championships in late August, it was the first time that England had beaten Holland for some years.

On a wet and blustery day the sun stayed out as England took the lead through James Tindall in the eighth minute after good advantage played by the Spanish umpire. And they nearly made it two a minute later but the shot was just wide. England continued to put the Dutch under pressure and Floris Evers was given a green card for persistent fouling. Their pressure paid off when Matt Daly (pictured) was tackled in the circle and he, along with goalkeeper Gus Vogels and defender Marcel Balkestein, ended up in a heap. Daly was quickest to react and push the ball into the open net to make it 2-0.

The Dutch finally got their first penalty corner and up stepped Taeke Taekema to score in the top left corner past a diving James Fair to make it 2-1 at half time. England came out again fighting in the second half and were rewarded with another goal from Matt Daly (with Surbiton fans going wild on the sidelines) putting England into a 3-1 lead. But five minutes later Taekema stepped up again for the second Dutch corner to score from a low shot which Fair got a foot to, but which trickled over the line.

The Dutch put even more pressure on the England defence but Fair was up to the mark with some fine saves, including two more from penalty corners, one of which was much disputed with only two minutes to go. England, however, held out for a well-earned win. Captain Barry Middleton, who plays his hockey in Holland, was very happy, though quite what his team-mates in Holland will have to say when he gets back is another matter! But he was looking forward to the next games against India starting on 27 July.

The only dampener on the game was Richard Alexander's yellow card which many said was lucky not to be a red.

ENGLAND LOSE BUT AUSTRALIA ARE THE BIG LOSERS

In an extraordinary quirk of fate, it was Australia who were the big losers on the final day of play in the Champions Trophy in Sydney.

The host nation met Argentina in the final and lost the match 4-3 on penalty deciders after 85 minutes of goalless play, with Luciana Aymar scoring the winning stroke. Despite the absence of goals, the final was described as a classic.

England, who were playing China in the 5^th/6^th place decider, were hit by injury and illness problems. Alex Danson and Helen Richardson, who were unable to play yesterday after having what were described as 'flu like symptoms', played in what was probably England's worst performance of a disappointing tournament. Li Hongxia had opened the scoring three minutes into the match and, although England were given a 25 minutes respite, China went into the break 3-0 ahead after Ren Ye scored twice late in the half.

The second half was almost a reprise of the first, with Song Qingling scoring early in the half and three goals coming in quick succession 15 minutes later, the first two from Fu Baorong and the final goal of the match from Xing Qian. Final score 7-0 to China.

Despite coming last in the tournament, it will be Australia who will be relegated to the Champions Challenge next year. Because of their relatively poor performance in the Olympic Games, Australia slip down the ranking and no longer qualify for the Trophy. Ironically, England maintain their place by virtue of hosting the 2010 tournament.

Coach Danny Kerry was brutally honest about the odds against England before the squad left for this tournament, describing the odds as "challenging". After the match Kerry said, "I can tell people and they can listen, but you have to experience things to learn and this has been a massive learning curve for many of our younger players."

The Netherlands finished third in the tournament after beating Germany 5-2 in the bronze medal match.

2009 WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS TROPHY:

1. ARGENTINA
   
2. Australia
   
3. Netherlands
   
4. Germany
   
5. China
   
6. England
   

England squad against China: Helen Richardson replaced Gemma Darrington. Becky Duggan did not play.

DEPLETED ENGLAND FALL TO PENALTY CORNERS

England's last opportunity to come away with more than one point from the round-robin stages of the Women's Champion's Trophy in Sydney were thwarted by China earlier today. China, whose record in this tournament before the game matched England's (three defeats and one draw), opened the scoring after 23 minutes with a penalty corner strike by their star Olympian Ma Yibo.

Fu Boarong scored China's second early in the second half and England's hopes were briefly raised when Becky Herbert replied from a penalty corner shortly afterwards. It was Herbert's second goal of the tournament. But China's penalty corner striking proved decisive - China's modest position in the table belies their penalty corner conversion rate – and Song Qingling and Zhao Yudiao scored from corners to give China a 4-1 victory.

England meet China again tomorrow in the 5^th/6^th place play-off. Coach Danny Kerry will have a reduced squad to pick from with key players Helen Richardson and Alex Danson being unavailable due to illness. Of his available fit players he was only able to rest 'keeper Beth Storry today.

In other matches Australia overcame the Netherlands 2-1 to finish second in the table and secure themselves a place in the finals tomorrow. The other finalists are Argentina, who played out a 0-0 draw against Germany today.

Table at completion of round-robin stage.

		P	W	D	L	GF	GA	PTS
1	Argentina	4	3	1	0	8	4	10
2	Netherlands	4	2	2	0	6	4	8
3	Australia	4	2	1	1	8	3	7
4	Germany	4	2	0	2	6	6	6
5	China	5	1	1	3	9	9	4
6	England	5	0	1	3	5	16	1

 

DEPLETED ENGLAND FALL TO PENALTY CORNERS

England's last opportunity to come away with more than one point from the round-robin stages of the Women's Champion's Trophy in Sydney were thwarted by China earlier today. China, whose record in this tournament before the game matched England's (three defeats and one draw), opened the scoring after 23 minutes with a penalty corner strike by their star Olympian Ma Yibo.

Fu Boarong scored China's second early in the second half and England's hopes were briefly raised when Becky Herbert replied from a penalty corner shortly afterwards. It was Herbert's second goal of the tournament. But China's penalty corner striking proved decisive - China's modest position in the table belies their penalty corner conversion rate – and Song Qingling and Zhao Yudiao scored from corners to give China a 4-1 victory.

England meet China again tomorrow in the 5^th/6^th place play-off. Coach Danny Kerry will have a reduced squad to pick from with key players Helen Richardson and Alex Danson being unavailable due to illness. Of his available fit players he was only able to rest 'keeper Beth Storry today.

In other matches Australia overcame the Netherlands 2-1 to finish second in the table and secure themselves a place in the finals tomorrow. The other finalists are Argentina, who played out a 0-0 draw against Germany today.

Table at completion of round-robin stage.

		P	W	D	L	GF	GA	PTS
1	Argentina	4	3	1	0	8	4	10
2	Netherlands	4	2	2	0	6	4	8
3	Australia	4	2	1	1	8	3	7
4	Germany	4	2	0	2	6	6	6
5	China	5	1	1	3	9	9	4
6	England	5	0	1	3	5	16	1

 

AUSTRALIA GIVE ENGLAND ‘KICK UP THE BACKSIDE’

England played their penultimate match in the Women's Champions Trophy in Sydney today when they played the hosts.

England had got off to good starts in their preceding three matches but they struggled against the Hockeyroos, conceding their first goal from a Nicole Arrold penalty corner after 13 minutes. A penalty corner conversion by Casey Eastham took the home side into the second half on 2-0 and, in torrential rain, Arrold scored her second early in half to build on the Australian lead. Hope Monro added to the tally in a match that ended 4-0.

England captain, Kate Walsh, who has suffered a number of serious playing injuries over the last few years, had to leave the pitch later in the first half after being hit in the face, although she did return in the second half. Sporting a black eye and three stitches, Walsh commented after the match, "We are really, really gutted. We got rolled over today. We need to go home and work hard; today was a bit of a kick up the backside."

The result means that England will meet China twice this weekend, first in their last match in the round-robin stage, and again the next day in the 5^th/6^th play-off.

In the only other match played today, Argentina drew against The Netherlands 2-2. The result guarantees Argentina a place in Sunday's final.

Table after four matches:

		P	W	D	L	GF	GA	PTS
1	Argentina	4	3	1	0	8	4	10
2	Netherlands	4	2	2	0	6	4	8
3	Australia	4	2	1	1	8	3	7
4	Germany	4	2	0	2	6	6	6
5	China	4	0	1	3	5	8	1
6	England	4	0	1	3	4	12	1

 

Tomorrow is a rest day.

England squad against Australia: Laura Unsworth replaced Jo Ellis. Beth Storry replaced Becky Duggan.

ENGLAND SLIP TO BOTTOM AFTER EARLY LEAD

England slipped to the bottom of the table after playing their third match in the Women's Champions Trophy in Sydney earlier today.

In a repeat of the two previous matches, England opened the scoring when Rebecca Herbert, earning her 50^th cap, deflected a Chloe Rogers' cross into the Argentine net after only six minutes. England maintained their one goal lead until the 19^th minute when Augustina Garcia scored from a penalty corner.

Argentina went into the break on 2-1 after Carla Rebecchi scored Argentina's second shortly before the hooter. Noel Barrionuevo's penalty corner strike midway through the second half gave Argentina a 3-1 win.

Argentina have an unbeaten record and go to the top of the table. Yesterday's clash between Germany and The Netherlands ended in favour of the Dutch by a single goal and they assume second place. Germany and China, who have now played four games each, met today with the Germany emerging 3-2.

England's next match is against Australia, who have had a modest campaign by their standards, having beaten Germany on the opening day, but recording a defeat against Argentina and losing to China.

England squad against Argentina: As previously published except Becky Duggan replaced Beth Storry in goal and Laura Unsworth was replaced by Ashleigh Ball.

Table as at end of play on 15/7/09

		P	W	D	L	GF	GA	PTS
1	Argentina	3	3	0	0	6	2	9
2	Netherlands	3	2	1	0	4	2	7
3	Germany	4	2	0	2	6	6	6
4	Australia	3	1	1	1	4	3	4
5	China	4	0	1	3	5	8	1
6	England	3	0	1	2	4	8	1

 

ENGLAND GIRLS SECURE BRONZE IN EUROPE

England's under 18 Girls managed to secure a bronze medal in the EuroHockey Youth Nations Championships in Nivelles, Belgium, over the weekend.

England had lost their semi final match against The Netherlands on Friday, with the Dutch girls scoring three in the first fifteen minutes. Kate Maxey was able to pull one back from a penalty corner in the 22^nd minute but that was to be England's only goal in a match that ended 4-1 in favour of the Dutch.

Meeting Belgium in the bronze medal game on Saturday, the match remained at 0-0 until England were awarded a penalty stroke three minutes before half time. The penalty was converted by Rebecca Dru. Alice Sharp made it two for England from a penalty corner 12 minutes into the second half, and although Belgium looked as if they might make a late comeback, they were unable to capitalise on Florence Deley's 60^th minute goal. Final score 2-1 to England.

The Netherlands beat Germany 6-3 in the final to take the Championships.

The boys had less luck. Playing Belgium in the semi-finals, England fell to the shooting talents of Matthew Cobbaert, who scored four times in open play. Although Nick Giles opened the scoring for England, they were 6-2 down after 59 minutes. Despite staging a late rally, with Domic Bowdon scoring a second and Jonny Kinder scoring the last goal of the match, England could not claw their way back into the game and went down to a final score of 6-4.

England faced disappointment in their bronze medal match against the Dutch, after Aathavan Lingeswaran equalised for England early in the second half. England clung on to the 1-1 scoreline but eventually lost 2-1 after only two minutes of golden goal extra time.

Belgium eventually won the tournament by beating Germany 3-2 in the final. Scotland finished seventh and are relegated to the Trophy competition when it is next held (2011).

ENGLAND DISAPPOINTMENT AFTER EARLY LEAD

England's women managed to repeat the flying start they had against The Netherlands yesterday when they met Germany in their second Champions Trophy match in Sydney. Unfortunately, like yesterday, the fairy tale start did not end in a win.

Chloe Rogers gave England an early lead, scoring from a penalty corner after only two minutes. Both sides had plenty of opportunities as further corners were awarded but it was not until 10 minutes before half-time that Janine Beermann equalised from open play. Germany dominated the opening encounters in the second half with Fanny Rinne and Maike Stockel scoring in the first 10 minutes of play.

Final score 3-1 to Germany. After the match skipper Kate Walsh commented, "We're disappointed today. The game waent away from us a bit in the second half but we still made some chances and this is all a process working towards the Europeans."

England have a two day rest before they play Argentina on Wednesday.

England Squad against Germany: As yesterday except Gemma Darrington played in place of Ashleigh Ball.

Other results from Sydney:

Australia 0 Argentina 1
China 0 Netherlands 1

Table after two days (two matches): 1. Argentina 6 pts (+2), 2. Netherlands 4 pts (+1), 3. Australia 3 pts (+1), 4. Germany 3 pts (+0), 5. England 1pt (-2), 6. China 0 pts (-2).

ENGLAND CAUSE DUTCH UPSET

England got off to an encouraging start in their Samsung Women's Champions Trophy campaign in Sydney today (Saturday). Playing the Dutch, England drew first blood when Katie Long (pictured) scored the first goal of the tournament after 16 minutes. Taking the 1-0 lead into the break, Alex Danson netted England's second shortly after the restart.

Despite continued pressure from the Dutch and some excellent goalkeeping by Beth Storry, it was not until the closing 10 minutes that the Dutch managed to crack open England's defence. First Marilyn Agliotti scored from open play and then, with seconds left on the clock, Maartje Paumen scored the equaliser. Final score 2-2.

An excellent start against the world's number one, and possibly the upset of the tournament. England play Germany tomorrow, a side with an excellent pedigree but one England know they can beat.

ENGLAND SQUAD AGAINST THE NETHERLANDS: Beth Storry (GK) and Kate Walsh (both SCHC, The Netherlands), Natalie Seymour (Canterbury), Chloe Strong (Pinoke, The Netherlands), Laura Unsworth and Nicola White (both Loughborough Students), Sally Walton and Joe Ellis (both Bowdon Hightown), Ashleigh Ball (Slough), Susie Gilbert (University of Birmingham), Helen Richardson (Den Bosch, The Netherlands), Chloe Rogers, Kerry Williams and Katie Long (all Leicester), Alex Danson (Klein Zwitserland, The Netherlands) and Becky Herbert (Kampong, The Netherlands). Did not play: Becky Duggan (GK) (Trojans) and Gemma Darrington (Leicester).

ENGLAND LOSE OUT ON FINAL PLACES

England's boys and girls will play in the bronze medal play-offs in the EuroHockey Youth Championships in Nivelles, Belgium, after both lost their semi final matches today (Friday).

England's boys were beaten 6-4 by Belgium and now have a difficult match tomorrow in the bronze medal match where they will meet The Netherlands. Tomorrow's final will be between Belgium and Germany.

The girls were beaten in their semi-final by The Netherlands 4-1. They will play Belgium for a possible bronze medal tomorrow, whilst Germany and the Netherlands will contest the final.

Euro Youth Nations Update

The England goal scorers in the final pool matches in the EuroHockey Youth Nations Championships in Nivelles (Belgium) were as follows:

Boys: England 2 Germany 3: Dominic Bowden and Harry Martin.

Girls: England 3 Ireland 1: Shona McCallin, Becky Dru and Holly Chipman.

The semi finals will be played tomorrow (Friday) with England Boys meeting Belgium and the girls The Netherlands. Finals and bronze medal matches will be played on Saturday.

SEMI FINAL PLACES FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN EURO CUP

England's girls (under 18s) have topped Pool A after their third match in the EuroHockey Youth Nations Championships in Nivelles. England beat Belgium 1-0 on Tuesday evening and followed this up with a 3-1 over Ireland last night (Wednesday). They will now face the Netherlands, who finished second in Pool B, in the semi-finals on Friday.

England's good run in the boy's side of this tournament run came to an abrupt end when they faced Germany yesterday, the match finishing 3-2 in favour of the Germans. However, their second place finish in the pool sets them up for a medal place. They play Belgium in the semi finals on Friday.

We hope to bring you details of the scorers later today.

MAXIMUM EURO POINTS FOR ENGLAND BOYS

After the disappointment of the Junior World Cup, where England finished 16^th, England's under 18 boys are enjoying better luck in the EuroHockey Youth Nations Championships in Nivelles, Belgium. After two matches, England and Germany are both on maximum points, with Germany holding the lead in Pool A with an advantage on goal difference of one goal.

Yesterday England beat Scotland 6-0 with goals from Aathavan Lingeswaran (2), Ross Gilham-Jones (2), Scott Evans and Jon Kinder. Today (Tuesday) England overcame Poland 3-2, although we do not have details of the scorers at the present time.

We have one England result from the women's Pool A , where France were beaten 5-1. England's scorers were Georgia Rawlinson (2), Holly Brown, Rachel Mack and Kate Maxey. England were due to play Belgium this evening but we do not yet have a result.

England's next matches are tomorrow against Germany (men) and Ireland (women).

“LET’S HAVE A COUPLE OF MINUTES HOCKEY” by Peter Savage in Cannock

England put in a much improved performance against Pakistan in their final game of the three match series in Cannock this evening. What should have been a thrilling spectacle was spoilt by several long stoppages for injuries or whilst the umpires sorted out discipline problems. Someone in the crowd behind me shouted out, "Let's have a couple of minutes' hockey," a sentiment that was no doubt shared by many. The 'discipline' problem included yellow cards for Martin Jones, Shafqat Rasool, Waseem Ahmed and Abdul Haseem Kahn.

England made an early mark on the match when Ian Mackay found the net shortly after coming on for the first time. Having taken the lead, England absorbed a great deal of pressure for the remainder of the half but managed to maintain the 1-0 margin into the second period. Syed Abbas Haider equalised for Pakistan nine minutes into the half, but after that England were in the ascendency. What they could not achieve was a winning goal and the match was played out to a 1-1 finish.

England manager Peter Nicholson declared himself satisfied with his side's performance over the three matches. England have the European Nations in Amsterdam to look forward to in August and this match and the upcoming matches against the Netherlands and India will prove good preparation.

IMPROVING ENGLAND HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE by Peter Savage at Cannock

England head coach Jason Lee declared that the series of internationals that England are currently playing are to get his players used to playing international hockey again. From that perspective it was a classical case of a game of two halves. Playing in the second of a series of internationals against Pakistan at Cannock, his side played well enough but Pakistan were always a shade bit quicker to pounce on an opportunity. That, plus some good saves from Salman Akbar in the Parkistan net, meant that England went into the break 2-0 down, thanks to goals from Muhammad Waqas and Muhammad Imran.

A terrible mistake 16 minutes into the second half gave Pakistan a breakaway, on which they were quick to capitalise and, despite James Fair's efforts to close down play, Abdul Haseem Khan received a cross which he gratefully put into the England net.

Despite the third goal, it was becoming apparent that England were starting to play with more intensity and their reward came in the 54^th minute when James Tindall slammed the ball into the back of the Pakistan net. Four minutes later Matt Daly scored a second from a penalty corner.

The score remained at 3-2 until the end and Pakistan win the series with one more match to play. England and Pakistan meet again tomorrow night at 19:00, again at Cannock.