The surprise outfit in the World Cup Qualifiers in Changzhou, the men from France, have progressed a step nearer to the World Cup. Ealier today they beat Belgium on penalty strokes, the hero of the hour being their 'keeper Julian Durchon who made two early saves in the penalty barrage. Earlier in the match Luycx had opened the score for Belgium after only a few minutes. Durchon replied for the French before the break, and the game remained at stalemate until the outcome was decided by strokes. The Belgians will be bitterly disappointed by this result. Having lead Pool A for much of the tournament they now find themselves contesting a 6th / 7th place in the competition. More news from Changzhou later today.
On the domestic front Chelmsford are hosting the EHL play-offs this weekend. The outcome of the matches will determine the shape of the revised format national league for the 2006-2007 season. Over the same weekend, the Girls County Championships are being played at Redbridge.
