Great Britain’s women will be going to the Beijing Olympics as a result of England’s 3-2 win against Spain in the Bronze medal match of the EuroNations Championship in Manchester. Leading 3-0 with 11 minutes to play victory looked assured but England’s composure deserted them as Spain struck back through Ester Termens and Silvia Munoz and when England survived a penalty corner in overtime there was much relief. England were dominantly rampant for the first 50 minutes with Alex Danson in particular causing the Spanish defence much consternation. Goals came from three of their four penalty corners. Mel Clewlow struck the first and Christa Cullen flicked the next two. An emotional England coach Danny Kerry said afterwards: “The girls were just brilliant and I will forgive them for the last ten minutes. I am not sure how I feel - a bit relieved I figure I am happy”. He added it was absolutely paramount to get to Beijing”.
Germany won their first ever European women’s title in a somewhat drab final as a result of two fantastic strikes from their 23year old Janine Beermann from the RTHC Club Leverkusen - who ironically is going to play in the Dutch League for Nijmegen next season - in the 3rd and 40th minutes. The Germans have added the European title to their Olympic title.
Consolation for the Dutch was qualification for the Olympics and for their right winger, Marilyn Agliotti, Player of the Tournament.
Our photograph shows England's Helen Richardson, who had a superb tournament, with her bronze medal.
