It was a great day to be English in the EuroHockey League in Paris this afternoon.
Although East Grinstead were beaten in their second Pool C match, they put up a splendid fight against one of Europe's top side, Amsterdam, and even briefly led when their Gareth Carr scored a 23rd minute penalty corner. Rob Reckers was quick to reply for the Dutch but it took them another 30 minutes to score the winning goal, a penalty corner by Jan Buissant.
Final score 2-1 to Amsterdam.
East Grinstead have qualified, except for the unlikely possibility that AWF Poznan beat Amsterdam by a substantial margin.
Beeston impressed in their first Pool F match, despite seemingly struggling in the domestic league back home. Playing last season's semi finalists, Leuven, they attacked right from the start, looking by far the more dominant of the two sides, although it was nearly half time before first Martin Jones and then Andrew Monte found the net.
Beeston continued to dominate and had their reward when a combination between Jones and Ali Wilson resulted in Jones scoring his second.
Final score 3-0 to Beeston.
Beeston play the host club, St Germain, tomorrow. However, barring a heavy defeat at their hands, it looks as if Beeston have also qualified.
Our
picture shows Martin Jones looking justifiably pleased with himself after scoring his second goal.
