The England girls remained in free-scoring mode as they soundly defeated Wales on the third day of competition in the Under 16 Home Nations Tournament in Cardiff this afternoon. They have now scored eighteen goals in their three matches for a reply of one. Louise Boddy kicked off the scoring in the eighteenth minute, netting the first of her two penalty corner conversions. Further goals came from Emma O’Nien, Katie Shanahan (2) and Lucy Horn. Final score; England 6 Wales 0. England now lead the table on nine points and will play Ireland tomorrow (Friday) to decide the gold medals. England’s meeting with Ireland in the round-robin stages was the closest run of their three matches with England winning 4-1. In the boys’ tournament England overcame Scotland 2-0 with goals from Ben Stoney and David Flanagan. They too top their table and meet Scotland again tomorrow to decide the gold.
Meanwhile, the England senior’s met Spain in a training match at Belle Vue this afternoon. The first half was played in torrential rain, which seemed to suit the home side, although the scoring was opened by Spain’s Eduard Tubau from the penalty spot after seventeen minutes. Martin Jones (pictured) put the sides on even terms seven minutes later. In improving conditions in the second half Spain re-took the lead through a field goal by Juan Lainz. Matt Daley then scored a cracking goal on the reverse from the top of the circle. England had the chance to take the lead through a penalty stroke in the 60th minute but Simon Mantell’s shot hit the upright. However, James Tindall gave England the lead minutes later from open play. Final score 3-2 to England.
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