In their final Pool 'B' match against Club an de Alster, Reading's fortunes hung on the cusp between a place in the finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup and a playing for the bronze medal. Two goals down, Reading staged a remarkable second half revival with a penalty corner strike and penalty stroke by captain Robert Todd. Alex Jones put Reading ahead with a field goal in the 50th minute, but in a chilling reminder of yesterday's game against the Russians, Christian Achtmann restored parity with a 60th minute penalty corner. Destined to play for the bronze medal, and with seconds left on the clock, a Simon Mason trade-mark drop kick from his circle dopped into the opposing twenty-five and moments later, with two-seconds left on the clock, Reading were awarded a penalty corner. Rob Todd's conversion brought the crowd to its feet and a desolute German team fell to their knees in disbelief. Reading are through to tomorrows final against the champions of pool 'A', Bleomentaal, who earlier won their final pool match against Club de Campo de Madrid.
Meanwhile in Edinburgh, Leicester Ladies won through to the bonze medal play offs in the women's competition.
Tomorrow (Monday) England's men resume their World Cup qualifying campaign against favourites Pakistan. England have not dropped a point so far, but only a victory in this match will guarantee them a place in the finals.
