England led Germany twice but lost 4-3 to the world champions for a second defeat in the Hamburg Masters. Germany stole the winner with less than two minutes left on the clock. With the European Cup at Manchester just a fortnight away, coach Jason Lee was delighted with England’s form, commenting, “We are now playing proper hockey, getting better all the time”. James Tindall (Surbiton, pictured) gave England a 10th minute lead but the Germans came back with goals by Philip Witte and Christoph Zeller. Another Surbiton player, Matt Daly, made it 2-2 before half time with a brilliant individual effort and Barry Middleton slotted a rebound to put England ahead again after 54 minutes. Despite James Fair’s brilliance in goal, England conceded two late goals, a second to Zeller before Matthias Witthaus snatched the winner.
England play Belgium this tomorrow in their final game of the four nation tournament.
ENGLAND WON THE FIRST OF TWO TRAINING MATCHES AGAINST SCOTLAND at Belle Vue this afternoon, with goals by Jo Ellis, Rebecca Herbert, Crista Cullen, and Kerry Williams. Final score 4-1 to England. England play a second match against Scotland at Belle Vue tomorrow.
