NB: Due to a loss of internet connection at our temporary base in Barcelona we were unable to bring you to following report yesterday (Monday). Our apologies for the delay.
Slough missed out on the European Cup Winners Cup losing the penalty stroke competition 3-1 after saving their best hockey of the tournament for the final in which they equalised through Jane Smith's penalty corner in overtime. Berliner went ahead in the third minute Jarina Totzke deflecting in a Natascha Keller penalty corner. But SloughSlough's first goal high into the net after Smith's corner had been charged down but Berliner retained their two goal lead when Julia Karwatzky converted their third and final corner. Alex Scott deflected a switched penalty corner with five minutes remaining for Slough's second to set up the dramatic finale. Both teams changed their goalkeepers for the penalty stroke competition but although Lynnette Smith saved flicks from both Lea Loitsch and Katharina Schultz, Berliner's Karoline Amm denied Jane Smith, Fiona Greenham, Natalie Bell and Chloe Strong. Slough's only success was Scott. weathered the early storm and playing with increasing confidence they created a number of chances. Smith, Alex Scott and Becky Odin all shot wide and Purdy Miller flailed at thin air but it was Keller who struck again with a simple tap in with 20 minutes left. Mandy Nicholson blasted in
There was no joy for Glasgow Western in the Bronze medal match as they went down 6-0 to Amsterdam who overcame their disappointment in failing on goal difference to qualify for the final at the expense of Berliner. Eveline Wisse Smit scored a hat trick but her captain Sylvia Karres who scored twice was the Tournament's leading goal scorer with six.
