ENGLAND CLINCH BRONZE MEDAL PLACE by Peter Colwill in Boom

Needing a win to reach the Bronze Medal play off in the BDO Champions Challenge in Boom, Belgium England achieved their aim with an emphatic 6-2 victory which was their best result against Belgium since their 8-0 win eleven matches ago in 1995.
There was little to choose between the teams before the 24th minute when Belgium were temporarily reduced to 10 men after Amaury De Cock was suspended for tripping. England took immediate advantage when Brett Garrard’s cross was obligingly presented to Martin Jones by Belgium defender Gregory Gucasoff. Jones took full advantage to open the scoring. Two minutes later Matt Daly swept in Richard Mantell’s free hit to give England a 2-0 interval lead.
Although Belgium reduced the deficit through a Jerome Dekeyser penalty corner England were soon 4-1 ahead. Ashley Jackson who was hugely influential in his first tournament carved an opening which Simon Mantell volleyed in and a slick pass by Glenn Kirkham enabled Daly to score his second after confirmation from the video umpire. Gucasoff responded with a penalty corner goal for the hosts but England finished strongly. Jonty Clarke scored with a virtual repeat of his goal against Japan and with five seconds left Simon Mantell chased a long ball up field and robbed Benjamin Van Hove to score his second.
England play Belgium in their first match in the European Cup in Manchester in August but their immediate priority is Sunday’s Bronze Medal match against India. New Zealand and Argentina compete for the Gold.

Rest Day Round-up From Boom

The timetable for the men’s Champions Challenge in Boom has thrown up some intriguing meets for the last games in the round-robin section of this tournament. Third placed India meet bottom of the table Japan tomorrow (Saturday) and a good win for India could see them move ahead of Argentina, who play the leaders, New Zealand. The most important game for England supporters is their match against Belgium, a team which one local newspaper described as “Docteur Jekyll ou Mister Hyde”. An England win could move them into fourth or even third place, which would give them a crack at the bronze on Sunday. Our photographs show action from yesterday’s match between England and Japan.

England play in the last of tomorrow’s matches. Peter Colwill will be reporting from Boom with all the day’s action.

BOOM TOWN RATMAN PUTS ENGLAND BACK ON COURSE by Peter Colwill in Boom

England picked up their first points in their fourth match of the BDO Champions Challenge in Boom, Belgium beating Japan more convincingly that the score suggests. After struggling through the first half Jason Lee, their coach, delivered a half time verbal rocket, which had the desired effect. Takahiko Yamabori opened the scoring for Japan with a flicked penalty corner in the 10th minute. Richard Mantell equalised in a similar fashion just before half time although Japanese goalkeeper Shunsuke Nagaoka stopped the shot only for the ball to bounce agonisingly over the line. Ironically, it was from a poorly executed penalty corner that England took the lead midway through the second half. The mis-directed injection ended up with Ben Hawes who fed Brett Garrard whose shot rebounded to Matt Daly. Daley’s shot was half saved but eventually forced in by Richard (Ratman) Alexander. England’s lead was short lived - Yoshihiro Anai firing in a penalty corner. Within three minutes England were ahead again when a combination of passes between Barry Middleton and Jonty Clarke led to Clarke cutting along the by-line and flicking the ball into the roof of the net. Rob Moore increased the lead with a reverse stick shot from the edge of the circle, the first such successful shot of the tournament. Yamabori’s reply which came in overtime was too late for Japan.

England play Belgium, the host nation on Saturday in their final pool match.

Our picture shows England celebrating Rob Moore's goal.

NO BREAKS MATCH LEAVES ENGLAND BOTTOM by Peter Colwill in Boom

England remain pointless after the third round of matches in the BDO Champions Challenge in Boom, Belgium but they produced by far their best performance of the tournament and outplayed the tournament leaders for long periods in the second half. “I have a feeling we just didn’t get the breaks today” said Jason Lee, the coach. He has a point. New Zealand had three penalty corners, two of which Hayden Shaw fired in to the roof of the net and the other one was intercepted by Rob Moore’s head on the line, Dean Couzins scoring from the resulting penalty stroke. James Fair, in the England goal, had only one notable save to make denying Phillip Burrow’s reverse stick shot. England’s goal came from the first of their two penalty corners with Moore putting away the second rebound after Kyle Pontifex had saved Richard Mantell’s initial strike and Richard Alexander’s follow up. England’s second corner which came six minutes from the end was less productive. Simon Mantell raised his hit straight into Pontifex.

England play Japan, who have one win from three matches, on Thursday.

Third Day’s Results:
Japan 0 Argentina 2
England 1 New Zealand 3
Belgium 1 India 4

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is a rest day.

Problem with Euro Grand Masters posting on 24/6/07

A visitor has brought to our attention a problem with the posting of this news item whereby some of the text was truncated. Our apologies to our visitors. The item as uploaded to the site and checked, at which time the problem was not apparent. This has now been corrected.

POINTLESS ENGLAND FOUND SLEEPING by Peter Colwill in Boom

England are the only team without a win and indeed are pointless after two rounds of the BDO Champions Challenge in Boom, Belgium. It may have been a ‘quantum leap in performance’ which was how Jason Lee the coach, described England’s play but they conceded two goals from long corners which was the result of some dreadful marking. ‘Somebody must have been asleep’ said Lee. Both Rajpal Singh, who opened the scoring, and Prabhjot Singh, who fired in the winner, were granted the freedom of the England circle. India’s other goal from a powerfully hit penalty corner by Dilip Tirkey. England did score from two of their six penalty corners. Relying entirely on Richard Mantell for the first strike they equalised two minutes before half time when he followed up the rebound from his own shot. Jonty Clarke (pictured) fired in a rebound from another penalty corner to equalise a second time. England have a rest day before tackling tournament leaders New Zealand on Tuesday.

Today’s scores:

New Zealand 4 Japan 0.
Argentina 2 Belgium 3
India 3 England 2

ENGLAND SHOW EUROPE WHO ARE THE MASTERS by Peter Savage in Canterbury

England took the gold in both the Grand Masters and the Great Grand Masters tournaments in the first official Grand Masters Hockey European Cup here in Canterbury this afternoon. After a weekend of hockey the two tables were topped by England, with the German sides taking the silver and the Dutch the bronze. The Tournament Trophy for non-national teams was won by England LX Red with England LX Blue as runners-up. The showpiece match of the weekend was the game between England and Germany Grand Masters, which was won by England 3-1.

WE ARE NOW ABLE TO BRING YOU THE FULL MATCH REPORT FROM YESTERDAYS MATCH BETWEEN ENGLAND AND ARGENTINA IN THE CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE.

An energetic fight back by England who were trailing 1-4 with 19 minutes left was not enough to secure them a point in their opening match in the BDO Champions Challenge in Boom, Belgium. Although England took the lead in the 13th minute when Richard Alexander tipped in Richard Alexander's left wing cross at the near post, it was Jorge Lombi, Argentina's 35 year old striker winning his 227th cup and who missed selection for last year's World Cup, who thrust his side ahead. A gloriously flicked penalty corner equaliser was followed by a touch by Lombi to divert Juan Gilardi's free hit for the lead. Lucas Rey increased the lead, pouncing on a corner rebound shortly after Richard Mantell was suspended and when Rodrigo Vila added a fourth the match looked over. Simon Mantell replied quickly converting a penalty stroke but England were again reduced to ten men when Rob Moore fouled Innocente Argento. The Argentineans were incensed but Argento made a miraculous recovery. Ben Hawes, who found himself injecting a penalty corner with other choices off the field, snapped up a corner rebound to produce an exciting last 11 minutes of what Jason Lee, England's coach, described as a poor performance.

A REPORT ON TODAY’S PROCEEDINGS IN BOOM WILL BE POSTED LATER THIS EVENING (SUNDAY).

ENGLAND FALL AT FIRST POST

England got off to a disappointing start in their opening encounter in the BDO Champions' Challenge in Boom (Belgium) this afternoon. Playing top seeds Argentina, they took an early lead through a goal by Richard Alexander only to go behind to a penalty corner strike and a goal in open play, both by Jorge Lombi. England fell further behind when Lucas Rey converted a penalty corner in the 45th minute. Shortly after, England managed to pull one back after a foul in the circle, and Simon Mantell stepped up to take the resulting penalty stroke. In the 51st minute, Rodri Vila restored the margin with a field goal. Ben Hawes scored England's third in the 58th minute. Final score: 4-3 to Argentina. We hope to bring a fuller report on this match tomorrow.

In other matches, New Zealand overcame India 2-0, and hosts Belgium lost 1-2 to Japan.

News on the Champions Challenge in Boom

The BDO Champion's Challenge in Boom starts tomorrow (Saturday) and we will have daily reports from Peter Colwill. From Thursday we will also have match photographs from all the England matches. England are currently tipped to win this second-tier international tournament in which they play teams from Argentina, Japan, India, New Zealand and Belgium.

The July edition of our web radio programme TalkHockeyRadio will carry a full report with interviews and opinions from Boom. The July edition is due out on 5 July.

CHINA SHOW EASTERN PROMISE

An emergence of hockey in Far East has been apparent for some time and this has been confirmed by the success of China and Korea in the Champions Challenge in Baku. Finishing their round-robin matches first and second respectively, China emerged as the champions, winning 2-1 in the final this afternoon. Earlier in the day England had won the bronze with a 2-1 victory over the USA. The hosts, Azerbaijan, looked as if they might salvage something from this tournament, which has been a disappointment for them, when they managed a 3-3 draw in ordinary time against New Zealand. They finally lost the match after a penalty shoot-out.
Final placings: 1. China, 2. Korea, 3. England, 4. USA, 5. New Zealand, 6. Azerbaijan.

ENGLAND BEAT TRANN-TASTIC GOALIE TO WIN BRONZE

England got off to a storming start in their bronze medal play-off match in the ATA Champions Challenge against the USA in Baku today. In the opening exchanges Jo Ellis had an early scoring opportunity and England had won three penalty corners in as many minutes. Only some brilliant play by ex-Canterbury player, Amy Trann (pictured), kept a clean sheet for the Americans in the first half. However, when the first goal was scored it was Dana Sensenig of the USA who put her name of the score sheet, parrying a penalty corner passed Katy Roberts in the England goal. Fortunately it only took a couple of minutes for England to put themselves back into the match after a Chloe Rogers pass was deflected into the net by Cathy Gilliat-Smith. Trann was again in action, saving a shot by Alex Danson. In the 43^rd minute Rachel Walker put England ahead with a tap over the line. The USA, who managed a draw against England in the round-robin section of this competition, came back strongly but the England defence held. Final score 2-1 to England and a bronze medal.

The final match between China and Korea will take place later to day. The full results will appear on this blog later

ENGLAND FALL TO EASTERN PROMISE

England’s slim hopes of a gold or silver medal in the Champions Challenge in Baku were finally dashed this morning when they met China in the last of their round-robin matches. They faced a team who now go to the top of the table, ahead of Korea on goal difference. Although England had some territorial advantage in the opening exchanges, China looked dangerous on the break and eleven minutes into the match were awarded a penalty corner which was dispatched by Ren Yi at full stretch. England barely had a chance to recover before they were facing a second penalty corner and for a second time they were picking the goal out of the back of the net after Ma Yi Bo flicked the ball into the bottom corner of the England goal. England could have gone three down minutes later had not been for a diving tackle by Crista Cullen in her own circle. England then had an encouraging spell, which was brought to an end when Fu Bao Rong scored from a loose ball after a good save by Duggan. Just before half time China increased their lead to four after Ma Yi Bo scored her second from a penalty corner. In the second half China appeared to be comfortable with conserving their energy for tomorrow’s final against Korea, but continued to threaten the England goal. England gained a small consolation with ten minutes of play left, when Alex Danson (pictured) deflected a Crista Cullen flick into the Chinese net. Final score 4-1 to China.

Tomorrow England meet the USA, who they drew against on Tuesday, to decide the bronze medal. Both England and the USA were uncatchable by the fifth and sixth placed sides at the start of play this morning and were assured the bronze medal play-off place but the USA have moved above England in the table by virtue of their 2-1 win over Azerbaijan. The New Zealanders have failed to impress in this tournament and lost their final match 1-3 to the Koreans.

So the final tomorrow is between the Korea and China. The two sides met in the round-robin stage on Thursday, with China winning 2-0.

ENGLAND'S MEDAL CHANCES RAISED by Pat Rowley

England will play for a medal on the final day of the Women’s Champions Challenge in Baku on Sunday, after their second win, a 1-0 victory over hosts Azerbaijan. Only two points separate the top four teams before the final set of round robin matches tomorrow. England will be first off. They play China, the tournament leaders, and will need to win to have a chance of making the final.

Meeting Azerbaijan for the first time, England were involved in yet another tight game. The hosts were still seeking their first point but were extremely competitive, forcing plenty of corners. Katy Roberts, in the England goal, needed to be at her best. For 11 minutes England were without key player Crista Cullen who took a severe body blow from the ball and later Hayley Brown was suspended. There was little reward for England’s patient approach play and an air of despair. That all changed on the hour, when midfielder Rachel Walker moved onto a ball fed into the circle and slid her shot just inside a post.

[Unfortunately there was an error in a table yesterday. Hopefully we have it right today.]

Today (Wednesday) is a rest day in the Champions Challenge in Baku. Matches re-start tomorrow when England play the hosts, Azerbaijan, with a good chance to add three points to the four already won in their previous three matches.

DEPLETED ENGLAND MOVE INTO THIRD by Pat Rowley

England were denied their second win at the Women’s Champions Challenge by conceding a 67^th minute goal as they shared four goals with the US. A draw was enough to move this depleted England side up a place to third in the six team event, behind Korea and China, and still ahead of the Americans though only on goals scored. In poor playing conditions, the inexperienced Hannah Macleod and Hayley Brown failed to take good chances yet Dana Sensenig scored from a narrow angle to put US ahead in the 17^th minute. Amy Tran, a stand-out goalkeeper, looked unbeatable, thwarting Macleod again and Danson before halftime. England’s breakthrough came in the 44^th minute with a successful Mel Clewlow corner strike and, just three minutes later, Alex Danson deflected another of her corner shots to give England a 2-1 lead. Beth Duggan in the England goal, made three important saves from April Fronzoni five minutes from time, but it was Fronzoni who denied England victory, deflecting a free hit into goal.

Earlier China set a Challenge record by beating New Zealand 8-1 while later Korea beat Azerbaijan 4-3 for their third win. England’s final group games are tomorrow against Azerbaijan who have lost three times (tomorrow) and China on Saturday before a possible rematch with the US for the bronze medals.

Today Wales (men) and Scotland (women) take part in the Setanta Trophy, a new four nation event for men and women in Dublin.

The International Federation have announced that next year’s men’s Champions Trophy will be held at Rotterdam HC.

KOREA LEAD TABLE AFTER SECOND DAY IN BAKU

At the end of the second day in Baku, Korea have won both their matches, the hosts, Azerbaijan have lost both theirs, leaving the other four nations with a win and defeat each. The official table is showing New Zealand in second place after their 1-0 win over Azerbaijan this afternoon, although our calculations show that they have a goal difference of zero as opposed to China’s +1. In the other match today the USA beat China 2-1. Monday is a rest day and play resumes on Tuesday when the top and bottom teams meet each other. This sets out some intriguing matches to sort out the four teams on three points.

SECOND DAY SETBACK FOR ENGLAND

Yesterday England managed to end a run of defeats at the hands of New Zealand. This afternoon England ended a run of victories over Korea when they played the second of their Champions Challenge games in Baku. England’s hopes looked promising when Leicester’s Crista Cullen opened the scoring from open play in the 9^th minute but the Koreans were quick to respond with goals from Hye Jin Seo and Jung Hee Kim. Korea made it 3-1 just before the break with a deflection by Eun Sil Kim from a penalty corner strike. Korea scored their fourth when Seul Ki Cheon converted a penalty corner in the 67the minute. Goal difference can be important in these tournaments and England 70^th minute penalty corner goal by Kate Walsh may prove invaluable as the week progresses. Final score 4-2.

Korea are the fancied side in this tournament and although losing is a set-back for England, Danny Kerry’s team do have three points in the bank from their match against New Zealand. No doubt England’s will not be the only scalp the Koreans will take. Tomorrow (Monday) is a rest day. England play the USA on Tuesday.

Our photograph shows the two England scorers, Kate Walsh (left) and Crista Cullen (centre) with Mel Clewlow. Further results and the table after day two will be posted later on this site.

Late Result and First Day's Table from Baku

The final result from today's matches in Baku has been received and it is the match between China and the hosts, Azerbaijan. Final score 2-0 to China

ATA WAY TO DO IT - ENGLAND WIN FIRST MATCH OF CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE

England have got off to a promising start in the women’s Ata Holdings Champions Challenge in Baku. Playing New Zealand in the Azerbaijan capital this afternoon, it was Canterbury’s Cathy Gilliat-Smith (pictured here playing for her club) who scored the only goal of the match in the 11^th minute, when she deflected a Kate Walsh drag flick into the net. The New Zealanders came back at England strongly and early in the second half it looked as if they were they had equalised, but Caryn Peawi’s attempt was disallowed. This is England’s first win in four meetings against the Blacksticks and they will go into their match against Korea

tomorrow buoyed up by this victory.

Earlier in the day a former Canterbury player, US goalkeeper Amy Tran, had seen plenty of action between the sticks when the USA met Korea and lost 2-0, with goals by Seul Ki Cheon and Hye Lyoung Han. Korea are being tipped as the team to beat in this tournament.

China were due to meet the host nation this afternoon but we have been unable to get the result of that match. We will bring it to you as soon as possible.

Tomorrow (Sunday), England meet Korea, whilst China play the USA and Azerbaijan play New Zealand

Ata Holdings Champions Challenge for women

The Ata Holdings Champions Challenge for women will start this Saturday (9/6/07) in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Taking part are the USA, Korea, New Zealand, China, and the host nation. England play their first match on Saturday afternoon when they meet the very strong side from New Zealand. This blog will carry up to day results from the tournament.

CUMBRIA DEFY THE ODDS by Pat Rowley

Cumbria, playing in the finals of the Women’s County Championship for the first time, upset all the odds to carry off the title at Chelmsford and did so in the grand manner. They needed to win their final game, against Durham, to deny Hertfordshire any chance of winning for the second year running. Cumbria, with a side mostly comprised of players with no National League experience, won 8-0, scoring all eight of their goals in open play. Kath Sherlock who hails from little known club Wigton, scored four of those goals. Her tally from four games in two days was eight. Cumbria’s attack was always dangerous and three of their players, Julie Hope (Sunderland), Vicky Jones (Kendal) and Lisa Potts (Kirkby Stephen) all scored three times in the round robin event. Cumbria had opened the event by defeating Dorset, last year’s runners-up 3-0. In danger of defeat by Hertfordshire, in their second match, they gained a 3-3 draw with a 69^th minute Sherlock goal.

At Sheffield, Cheshire won the men’s Championship for the second time with a sudden death penalties decider against Sussex after a 3-3 draw. David Egerton scored all three of Cheshire’s goals, with Scott Ashdown, Darren Cheesman and Dominic Male getting Sussex’s goals.

HERTS RESCUED BY PREEST by Pat Rowley

Women’s County Champions Hertfordshire so nearly lost their first game in this year’s finals at Chelmsford. A goal down to Durham for over half the game, they were saved by the effervescent Harriet Preest who spun on a sixpence in mid-circle and popped in an equaliser minutes from time. The champions had dominated for most of the first half but Durham, counter-attacking at speed, snatched the lead through Shelly Harrison and thereafter were highly competitive. Dorset, last year’s runners-up, opened with a 2-0 win over Combined Services, Kelly Taylor and Hannah Worth scoring in the second half. But in hot sunshine, Dorset, struggled in their second full length game in the day. They came unstuck against Cumbria who celebrated their first appearance in the finals at the 37 year old championship, with a 3-0 win. Julie Hope, in the Cumbrian attack, was always a threat and scored a well taken goal. Kath Sherlock and captain Vicky Jones (penalty) were Cumbria’s other scorers.