2010-2011 NATIONAL LEAGUE STARTS TODAY

Our regular reports, scores and league tables for the England Hockey League start again today (Saturday). Due to a late starting match (we'll be there), reports and tables will be delayed this evening.

MIDDLETON AND MANTELL RETURN WITH A WIN

Photo: Richard Mantell returns to hockey after injury (HockeyImages.co.uk)

As part of their preparation for next month's Commonwealth Games, England men played the first of a two-match series against France at Lilleshall last night (Friday).

The match saw the welcoming back of Barry Middleton, who has been out of competitive hockey since he broke his toe just before the Champions Trophy, and Richard Mantell, who has made a remarkable recovery from the horrendous injury received in the World Cup earlier this year. Neither Middleton or Mantell were on the score sheet, although it was Richard's brother, Simon, who opened the scoring from England early in the second half.

France equalised through their Olivier Sanchez two minutes later, but James Tindall scored the winner soon after to give a final score of 2-1 to England.

England play France again this morning.

STORRY RECEIVES AWARD AS HOSTS STORM TO VICTORY

After the magnificent victory over Germany to win the bronze, England won further recognition in the Women's World Cup in Rosario when Beth Storry was awarded the Goalkeeper of the Tournament last night.

The award followed the final, which had seen Argentina cheered on by a capacity home crowd, estimated to be in the region of 14,500 spectators, in their match against the holder's, The Netherlands. Things could hardly have got off for a worse start for the Dutch, who seemed to be facing a rout after going behind 2-0 in the first seven minutes. Carla Rebecchi opened the scoring, with Noel Barrionuevo proving how deadly she is from penalty corners only a few minutes later.

The Netherlands managed to steady the ship and looked to be back in contention when Maartje Paumen added to her impressive tally of penalty corner goals, but ten minutes later Carla Rebecchi scored her second to put the match beyond doubt.

Final score 3-1 to Argentina.

The final tables can be viewed on our web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank photographer Daniel Carson for supplying TalkHockeyRadio with photographs from Rosario (including today's of England goalkeeper Beth Storry), more of which can be seen in the October edition of our on-line magazine HockeyTalk, which can be viewed at our web site from 30 September.

DANSON AND RICHARDSON GIVE ENGLAND HISTORIC WIN

Our images from Austalian photographer Dan Carsons show Alex Danson about to shoot at goal for the first England goal, Helen Richardson after scoring the second and the England team celebrating after the final hooter.

England made history this afternoon in Rosario when they won their first Women's World Cup medal.

They dominated their bronze medal match against Germany and England goalkeeper Beth Storry was hardly troubled in the first half. At the other end of the pitch, Alex Danson gave notice of what was to come, when she fired a shot at the German goal only to see it blocked by 'keeper Kristina Reynolds. But Danson was not to be denied for long. Then, in the 28^th minute, some good work at the top of the 'D' by Hannah MacLeod saw the ball passed to Danson, whose magnificent reverse stick shot found the back of the net. It seemed barely a three minutes later when a drive by Danson into the circle was touched on by Helen Richardson, through the legs of Reynolds and into the back of the net. MacLeod was in the thick of the action again when she got her stick to a cross in front of goal, but she did not get quite enough power on it to stop Reynolds intercepting it.

England dominated the second half too. A solo effort by Helen Richardson, which ended in a cross, found an undefended net but with nobody to pop the ball into the goal. Katie Long had a good scoring chance, but her shot went just wide.

Both goalkeepers had excellent games – Reynolds denying Cullen at penalty corners and Beth Storry doing similar work in the England goal. What was possibly Germany's best scoring chance of the game was saved by Storry when Katherina Otte shot at close range.

As the game approached its dying minutes, Germany just seem to run out of ideas. Some of the frustration showed as Julia Muller received a yellow card, only eight minutes after returning to the pitch after a green card suspension. England's defence had been rock solid, and with Richardson commanding the midfield and Danson and MacLeod a constant threat, the minutes ticked away to a historic 2-0 England win.

Argentina play The Netherlands later this evening (Saturday) in the final.

RAIN DISRUPTS PENULTIMATE DAY IN ROSARIO

Torrential rain in Rosario disrupted proceedings for a second time yesterday (Friday) as the 5^th to 10^th place positions were decided in the Women's World Cup.

India improved two places on their 2006 result in a close match against South Africa, with Rani Rampal again the star for India. The match went into half time at 2-2, thanks to goals from Rampal and goals for South Africa by Lesle-Ann George and Vida Ryan. The second half was only two minutes old when Saba Anjum found the net from a penalty corner and India increased their lead when Jasseet Kaur Handa scored their fourth. South Africa had an opportunity to get back into contention but their goal was disallowed after a video appeal when it was seen that the ball had been played high above the shoulder. But South Africa's corner striker, Pietie Coetzee, managed to pull one back for South Africa, and the game ended on 4-3 to India. India finish the tournament in 9^th place.

It had started raining during the India v South Africa match, but the heavens opened shortly afterwards causing a two hour delay as the pitch flooded.

China, ranked third in the world, finish in a disappointing 8^th place after being beaten 3-0 by New Zealand. New Zealand, whose scorers were Krystal Forgeson, Charlotte Harrison and Clarissa Eshuis, should be reasonably satisfied with a 7^th place finish.

The once great Australians were rocked when Korea took a 22^nd minute lead against them for the 5^th place. But a penalty corner goal late in each half, the first from Casey Eastham and the second from Nicole Arrold, gave them a 2-1 win. Australia was the losing finalists in 2006.

The big match for English fans today will be the game between England and Germany for the bronze medals. England's performances against Germany in the Champions Trophy in Nottingham will give England hope that a win is there for the asking. The 3^rd/4^th place match will be followed by the final, Argentina v The Netherlands.

ENGLAND WILL FACE GERMANY FOR BRONZE

Saturday's BDO Women's World Cup final will be between The Netherlands and Argentina.

In the second of yesterday's semi finals, Argentina's Luciana Aymar opened the scoring late in the first half, with a second Argentine goal coming from Rosario Luchetti in the last ten minutes. Germany grabbed a late consolation goal off Maike Stockel. Final score 2-1. The result means that Germany will meet England in the bronze medal match on Saturday.

As a follow-up to England's semi final, we notice that Maatje Paumen is being officially credited with the first Dutch goal. In last night's blog we gave the goal as a deflection off the stick off Janneke Schopman from Paumen's strike.

This afternoon's matches in Rosario are the crossover matches to decide the fifth to tenth places, featuring India v South Africa (9^th/10^th, New Zealand v China (7^th/8^th) and Australia v Korea.

ENGLAND PIPPED BY STROKES IN SEMIS

Our picture from Daniel Carson in Rosario shows coach Danny Kerry and his team looking on during the penalty stroke competition that decided the semi final.

Only the most hopelessly optimistic England supporter could have believed that England had a chance against the Dutch in the semi-final of the Women's World Cup in Rosario. But it was a close run thing and England deserve great credit for a bravura performance against one of the world's top sides.

England managed to survive the first half without conceding a goal, despite The Netherlands having the better part of the possession and more than a few opportunities at penalty corners. But Crista Cullen's courageous running out managed to staunch most of Maartje Paumen's attempts at corners, and the few that got through were gloved away by Beth Storry in goal.

It was very much against the run of play when, 20 minutes into the second half, England opened the scoring when a Crista Cullen cross from the right was deflected past Jpyce Sombroek in the Dutch goal. At 1-0 up England appeared to be in the ascendency, but a 60^th minute penalty corner saw Paumen's strike deflected by Janeke Schopman and into the back of the England net.

The remainder of ordinary time and two periods of extra time saw no resolution of the issue and so it went to penalty strokes with the score at 1-1.

England's third stroke, taken by captain Kate Walsh, was saved, as was Charlotte Craddock's effort. At 3-2 to the Dutch, Lidewij Welton's effort was saved brilliantly by Storry, and Chloe Rogers closed the gap to 3-3 with England's final stroke. England supporters held their breath as Kim Lammers stepped up to take The Netherlands' fifth stroke and, although Storry got a touch on the ball, it landed in the England net. Final tally of penalty strokes, 4-3 to the Dutch.

England will now play in the bronze medal match on Saturday, against the winner of the other semi final between Argentina and Germany.

Earlier in the day, Japan played Spain to see who would take the tournament's wooden spoon. A goalless first half was followed by a penalty corner goal from Spain's Montse Cruz. Ai Murakami equalised for Japan ten minutes later and, with less than two minutes left, Kaori Chiba scored the winner for Japan.

The result of the other semi final will appear on our blog tomorrow. All the results of the final matches of the tournament will be posted on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

GERMANS HOLD ON TO SEMI FINAL PLACE

A 43^rd minute penalty corner goal by Germany's Mandy Haase dashed Australia's chances of overtaking their opponents and grabbing the last remaining semi-final slot in Pool A in the Women's World Cup in Rosario yesterday. The result means that Germany will now play Argentina in Thursday's semi final.

The Netherlands enjoyed a bit of a goalfest against Japan although two goals from Kaori Chiba showed that Japan still had some fight in them. The Dutch scorers were Naomi Van As, Maartje Paumen (2), Lidewij Welton and Kim Lammers. It will come as no surprise to followers of Dutch hockey to hear that Paumen leads the scorers' table with 10 goals (nine from corners), five goals ahead of a block of players on five goals each. Final score in that match, 5-2 to The Netherlands.

New Zealand recorded their first victory of the tournament by beating India 3-0, with goals from Kayla Sharland (2) and Katie Glynn. The game was slightly marred by four yellow cards, two for each side, the highest number in a single match so far in the tournament.

The Dutch victory confirms that they will be playing for a place in the final. The remaining matches are scheduled as follows:

Wednesday 8/9/10 – Rest Day

Thursday 9/9/10:
11^th/12^th place, Japan v Spain
Semi Final 1, Netherlands v England
Semi Final 2, Argentina v Germany

Friday 10/9/10:
9^th/10^th place, India v South Africa
7^th/8^th place, New Zealand v China
5^th/6^th place, Australia v Korea

Saturday 11/9/10:
Bronze Medal match
Final

SURBITON DEFECTIONS ARE WIMBLEDON’S GAIN

The last few days has seen a flurry of registrations and transfers as the England Hockey League awaits the start of the 2010-2011 season in just under two weeks time.

At the centre of many of them is Premiership side Surbiton, with some notable gains and losses. In comes former Reading star Mani Cochar, who was playing his hockey last season for Guildford. He is joined by former Higgins Young Player of the Year, Liam Doidge, from Old Loughtonians. But it is the flow of players out of Surbiton that must be giving their coaching staff concern, with a number of star players joining ex Surbiton stalwart Ben Marsden at West Conference debutantes Wimbledon. The players moving from Surbiton to Wimbledon include Steven Richardson, Dominic Graham and Kenneth Twomey. But the real headline is the defection of current England internationals Ben Hawes and Rob Moore.

The opening match for Surbiton is away at Beeston on 19 September, whilst Wimbledon will be at home to Sevenoaks.

A REVIEW OF THE COMING SEASON AND PREMIER DIVISION SIGNINGS WILL APPEAR IN THE OCTOBER EDITION OF OUR ON-LINE MAGAZINE, AVAILABLE FROM OUR MAIN SITE AT www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk FROM 30 SEPTEMBER 2010.

ARGENTINA FINISH ON MAX POINTS

Photo from Daniel Carson in Rosario. England's Laura Unsworth in an enounter with Argentina's Luciana Aymar in their final pool match.

There was no getting away from it. Argentina's run in the pool stages of the World Cup in Rosario was such that the outcome of the match between England and Argentina could have been quite different. A goal in each half, the first an almost inevitable penalty corner from Noel Barrionuevo and the second from Daniela Sruoga, mean that the hosts have won maximum points in Pool B. For England the result means that they finish second in the pool but it is an honourable defeat against a side that coach Danny Kerry believes is currently the best in the world.

England will almost certainly play The Netherlands on Thursday in the semi-finals. The final matches in Pool A are played today and The Netherlands look unlikely to drop a point and will top the table.

The matches in Pool B saw China inflict a massive 6-0 defeat on Spain, with Yibo Ma scoring four times from penalty corners. The other scorers were Honhxia Li and Baorong Fu.

The match between Korea and South Africa was a bit of a tussle with South Africa holding a 3-1 lead until the 55^th minute. Three penalty corners in six minutes reversed the lead and a 67^th minute goal left the Koreans as 5-3 winners. This result emphasises the importance of the draw between Spain and Korea earlier in the week. A win for Korea would have placed them in second place.

All England's results and full pool tables can be found on our main site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

AUSTRALIA STILL IN WITH A MEDAL CHANCE

The Netherlands qualified for the semi-finals of the World Cup in Rosario yesterday (Sunday) when they recorded a win in their crunch game against Germany.

As seems to have happened in many of the pool matches in this tournament, there was a very early goal, with Germany's Maike Stockel opening the scoring in the third minute. Germany held on to their 1-0 lead until four minutes into the second half, when Maatje Paumen scored from a penalty corner. With the match looking as if it was going to finish at 1-1, Kim Lammers found the net in the closing seconds to give the Dutch a 2-1 victory.

Australia increased their chances of getting amongst the medals with a 4-1 win over New Zealand. Yet another early goal, with Krystal Forgesson scoring for New Zealand in the first five minutes, was to be the Blacksticks one and only goal of the match. Goals from Kobie McGurk, Ashleigh Nelson (2) and Shelley Liddelow wrapped it up for the Australians, and they are now on 9 points in Pool A, only separated from a semi-final place by goal difference behind Germany.

India recorded their first win of this World Cup with a goal in each half against Japan. The scorers were Rani Rampal and Jaseet Kaur Handa. India now move up to fourth place, but they and Japan and New Zealand are well adrift at the bottom of Pool A and out of contention for a medal.

As the luck of the draw would have it, Australia and Germany meet each other in their last Pool A match on Tuesday. Australia need a win to overtake Germany and finish in second place. Any other result will mean they finish third.

England play Argentina in their last pool B match this afternoon. Both have already qualified for the semi-finals.

Full pool tables and all England's results can be found at our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

ENGLAND ARE THROUGH TO WORLD CUP SEMIS

Daniel Carson's image from Rosario shows Kerry Williams in action in their match against South Africa yesterday.

A goal by Spain's Silvia Munoz just after half time in their match against Korea helped England secure a place in the semi finals of the women's world cup in Rosario yesterday. A win by Korea would have prejudiced England's chances of finishing in the top two, and things did not look good as Korea twice took the lead. But the goal by Munoz meant that the game ended 2-2 and Korea had lost their chance of finishing in the top two in Pool B. The earlier Spanish goal was scored by Gloria Comerma, whilst the Korean goals were scored by No Mi Kim and Suel Ki Cheon.

In the remaining Pool B match, Argentina left it until late in the second half before asserting themselves against China. The first goal, from a penalty corner, inevitably came from Noel Barrionuevo, and the second came off the stick of skipper Luciana Aymar. Final score 2-0.

England may have a better idea of who their semi final opponents are likely to be by the end of today's play, when the penultimate matches in Pool A are played. Germany and The Netherlands, both of whom are on maximum points, play each other this afternoon. Assuming there is a loser from this match, it could let in third placed Australia provided the Hockeyroos can record some high scoring wins to improve their goal difference. They are playing New Zealand this afternoon (Sunday), and are no doubt looking for revenge after New Zealand took the automatic qualification place for this tournament and forced Australia to qualify by the long route. The remainder of Pool A are too far adrift to qualify for the semi finals. Australia and Germany meet in the last of the Pool A matches on Tuesday.

England play their remaining Pool B match against Argentina on Monday. Given the choice, England would probably prefer to meet Germany in the semi-finals – a side against which they have some decent form of late. To do this they would almost certainly have to win against Argentina and hope that Germany can hold on to their second place in Pool A.

England's results and full pool tables can be found on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

ENGLAND WIN – NOW IT’S ALL DOWN TO SPAIN

After a 2-1 win over South Africa this afternoon in the Women's World Cup in Rosario, England's fate will depend on the performance of Korea in their last two Pool B matches.

The hero of the day was England's Helen Richardson (Pictured in Daniel Carson's image from Rosario) whose 9^th and 48^th minute goals gave England their win. South Africa managed to pull one back late in the game with a Pietie Coetzee penalty corner goal.

Today's result leaves only Korea as challenger to England's bid to get a semi-final place. Argentina, who England play on Monday, will almost certainly qualify, but England are being chased by Korea who need to win their next two matches and raise their goal difference only marginally. The latest news from Rosario, where Korea are currently playing Spain, is that the score is 2-2. If the score stays that way England will qualify.

Full pool tables and England's results, can be found at our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

MATCHES AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA MAY DECIDE THE SEMI FINALIST

Photo by Daniel Carson shows England's Helen Richardson (right), the scorer of yesteday's equaliser against Korea.

England's match against South Africa this afternoon will decide whether England play for a place in the finals of the World Cup in Rosario. England should be expected to win against the lower ranked South Africans, but they need to improve their goal difference to hold off the Koreans, who have an easier run in the final matches of the pool stage. On their current form, Korea can be expected to win against Spain (who they play today) and South Africa, whilst England face table leaders Argentina in their last pool match next Monday. There is only a difference of two goals between Korea and England and so it would only take a couple of modest wins by Korea for them to draw level and overtake England on goal difference to take second place in Pool B.

The last of the re-arranged Pool B matches played yesterday saw Argentina beat Spain 4-0 with two penalty corner conversions by Noel Barrionuevo and field goals from Alejandra Gulla and Rosario Luchetti.

Looking back on England's 1-1 draw against Korea yesterday, Helen Richardson's solo run which resulted in her equaliser, has been shown on BBC Sports News and shows what a magnificent effort it was. One of the reporters likened her to Diego Maradona.

Pool A matches were scheduled to be played yesterday and all went ahead. Germany secured their second place in the table with a 4-1 win over India, with goals from Eileen Hoffmann, Maike Stockel, Natascha Keller and Lydia Haase. India's only goal was scored by Rani Rampal.

The Netherlands emphasised their dominance of their pool with a 4-1 win over Australia. Kelly Jonker opened the scoring for the Dutch with a penalty corner and, although the Hockeyroos were able to draw level with a Nicole Arrold goal, two more penalty corners from Jonker and a goal from Minke Smeets, meant it was all over by early in the second half. Final score, 5-1 to the Dutch.

In a tournament that has seen a fair number of early goals, spectators had to wait until the 11^th minute of the second half in the match between Japan and New Zealand. Japan scored two goals in quick succession, the first from Kaori Chiba and the second from Mie Nakashima, only to see the Blacksticks reply with two in just over a minute – Krystal Forgesson and Kayla Shapland the scoreres. Final score 2-2.

Results of the England matches and full pool tables can be found on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

ENGLAND STUMBLE IN THIRD POOL MATCH

Photo, from Daniel Carson in Rosario. England's scorer, Helen Richardson, in action against Korea.

England's postponed World Cup match against Korea, which was due to be played yesterday (Thursday), took place at 11:30 (local time) this morning. The match could hardly have got off for a worse start for England when Jong Eun Kim scored with just 14 seconds on the clock.

Firm Korean defending stopped England from getting scoring chances, but two minutes into the second half Helen Richardson scored the equaliser. There was a last minute scare when Korean were awarded a penalty corner, but 'keeper Beth Storry was on hand to block the shot.

A 1-1 draw but England will retain their second place in Pool B, irrespective of other results.

The Pool B match between South Africa and China was played earlier. Canterbury's Jenny Wilson found the net from a penalty corner in the fourth minute, but after that it was all China, with a final score of 4-1.

The remaining Pool B match, between Argentina and Spain, is now being played, followed by the Pool A matches that were scheduled to be played today. England's next match is against South Africa tomorrow (Saturday).

England's results and full pool tables can be found at our main site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk

Rescheduled World Cup Matches

Yesterday (Thursday) was a washout in Rosario, with no hockey being played, including England's third match of the tournament, against Korea. Games have been rescheduled for today. The times shown below are local times in Rosario.

09:00: South Africa v China (Pool B)

11:30 England v Korea (Pool B)

14:00 Spain v Argentina (Pool B)

16:30 India v Germany (Pool A)
19:00 Australia v Netherlands (Pool A)

21:30 Japan v New Zealand (Pool A)

ENGLISH CLUBS TO TRAVEL TO SPAIN

All three English clubs will travel to Terrassa in Spain for their Round One matches in the EuroHockey League to be played during 29^th to 31^st October 2010. Terrassa is the second of the Round One venues, the first being at the Eindhoven club of Oranje Zwart in The Netherlands, where the matches will be played from 15 to 17 October 2010.

Reading find themselves in Pool A facing the powerful Dutch club Bloemendaal and Belarusian side Stroitel Brest. Beeston will meet the hosts, Atletic Terrassa in Pool C, along with the sole French representatives, Montrouge. East Grinstead are drawn in Pool D with RC Club Polo Barcelona and Glenanne from Ireland.

RAIN FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF ENGLAND MATCH

Torrential rain in Rosario has forced the postponement of two matches in the Women's Champions Trophy including the Pool B match between England and Korea. No alternative date for the matches has been announced yet.

Summary of Pool A results from Women’s World Cup

Yesterday (Wednesday) was a high scoring day in the Women's World Cup in Rosario, with no less than 22 goals being scored in three matches.

India showed some Chak de India spirit when they took on Australia, answering the Hockeyroos goal for goal for 50 minutes until a late goal spree finally gave Australia a 6-3 win. Australia's goals were scored by Madonna Blyth, Alshleigh Nelson (2), Casey Eastham, Nicole Arrold and Shelley Liddelow. India's goals were from Rani Rampal (2) and Ritu Rani. Rampal also found herself spending time in the naughty seat, followed shortly afterwards by skipper Mukta Barla.

Germany recorded a relatively modest victory over Japan. With no score in the first half, Japan's Ai Murakami found the net from a penalty corner, but goals from Germany's Maike Stockel and Natascha Keller gave the Germans a 2-1 win.

The highest number of goals scored was in the match between The Netherlands and New Zealand. New Zealand's Krystal Forgesson struck early, scoring in the first two minutes, but after that it was seven Dutch goals in succession from Ellen Hoog (2), Kim Lammers, Marilyn Agliotti, Janneke Schopman , Maartje Paumen and Michelle van der Pols. Two late goals from the Blacksticks by Forgesson gave a final score of 7-3.

Full pool tables can be found on our main site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

England's next match is this afternoon against Korea.

Roundup of yesterday’s results from the Women’s World Cup

Photo: One of the heroes of yesterday's match against China, Hannah MacLeod. (Library image).

As predicted in yesterday's blog, England move into second place in Pool B on the back of the later results.

The news coming out of Rosario is that the hero of yesterday's match between England and China – apart from England's goal scorer Hannah MacLeod – was goalkeeper Beth Storry, who bravely defended her goal against an increasing onslaught from the Chinese. China, who are ranked third in the world, seem to have lost their winning ways of late, but they are still a formidable opponent and a World Cup victory against them must be seen as a stellar achievement.

South Africa's Pietie Coetzee gave a demonstration of her penalty corner shooting prowess with a 21 minute goal in their match against Spain. Nuria Camon equalised from a corner just before half time, but South Africa had the last word with a late second half goal from Sulette Damons to give South Africa a 2-1 victory. South Africa move into fourth place in Pool B.

The game between Argentina and Korea went with the rankings, but not by the decisive margin that might have been predicted. Carla Rebecchi's second half goal was all that Argentina had to show for the match. Argentina's 1-0 win means that they are on maximum points and retain the lead in Pool B, only separated from England by goal difference.

Pool A matches take place this afternoon (Wednesday), featuring India v Australia, The Netherlands v New Zealand and Germany v Japan. England's next opponent in Pool B will be Korea, who they play at 21:00 BST on Thursday. Although ranked as outsiders, Korea have China's scalp under their belt already and were only narrowly beaten by Argentina. They may prove a real test for England.

Pool tables can be found at our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk. Navigate to the World Cup page.

BROKEN CHINA GIVE ENGLAND MAX POINTS

Photos from Daniel Carsons in Rosario. 1) England celebrate their first goal. Front, left to right, Hannah MacLeod, Charlotte Craddock and Laura Unsworth. 2) Crista Cullen fires off a penalty corner for England.

It was all settled in under two minutes in England's second match of the Women's World Cup in Rosario this afternoon. Hannah MacLeod's penalty corner goal in the opening seconds of the match was enough to secure a 1 – 0 win over China.

England has now secured maximum points from their first two matches. Later this afternoon, Spain is due to play South Africa, and Argentina is due to play Korea. England's win sets them up to move into second place in Pool B. Results from the remaining matched will appear on this blog in the morning (Wednesday).

England's next match will be against Korea on Thursday.

Pool tables can be viewed at our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

NETHERLANDS ROUT INDIA IN ROSARIA

Photo: Kim Lammers, scorer of two Dutch goals against India (Library image).

There were no surprises in Pool A of the Women's World Cup in Rosario yesterday, with the results going with the world rankings.

The big winner was The Netherlands, who decisively routed outsiders India 7-1, with Maatje Pauman accounting for three of the Dutch goals, two from corners and one from the penalty spot. Other scorers were Marilyn Agliotti, Ellen Hoog and Kim Lammers (2). India's lone goal was from Rani Rampal.

Germany had dealt with New Zeland within the first seventeen minutes, after which the match remained scoreless. Celine Wilde opened the German account in the 15^th minute, with Tina Bachman finding the net from a penalty corner two minutes later. Final score: 2-0 to Germany.

Australia lead all the way in their match against Japan after they had taken a 14^th minute lead from a Kobie McGurk penalty corner. With less than ten minutes play left, captain Madonna Blythe made it two, with Japan's Kaori Chiba making scoring a consolation goal two minutes later.

For Pool tables visit our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk and navigate to our World Cup page.

England play their second match this afternoon (Tuesday) when they meet China.

SOUTH AFRICA OUTCLASSED

South Africa was outclassed in their match against the hosts, Argentina, on the first day of play in the Women's World Cup in Rosario. Despite a 22^nd minute penalty corner equaliser from Pietie Coetzee, which cancelled out Noel Barrionuevo's earlier goal, the South African's had no answer to Luciana Aymar, whose hat-trick gave Argentina a 4-1 lead. A late consolation goal by Vida Ryan was met with a fifth Argentine goal from Marine Russo. Final Score, 5-2 to Argentina.

This result puts Argentina at the head of Pool B on goal difference, ahead of England.

GILBERT GOAL GIVES ENGLAND THREE POINT STARTER

Photo: Our photo by Daniel Carson shows England's Alex Danson in action, being challenged by Spain's Rocio Gutierrez.

England started their Women's World Cup campaign in Rosario today with an important win over Spain. But the match did not go all England's way. Spain opened their account with an early goal from Gloria Comerna after only four minutes of play, but a goal from Alex Danson and a penalty corner from Crista Cullen gave England a brief lead.

Carlota Petchame equalised for Spain just before half time, but the match was settled by a goal from Susie Gilbert in the dying seconds of the half. No goals in the second half meant that England emerged from the encounter as 3-2 winners.

Earlier, there had been a surprise win for Korea in the opening match of the tournament, when they overcame China 2-1. China is ranked 3^rd, whilst Korea is ranked eight places lower at 11^th.

The result of the remaining Pool B match between Argentina and South Africa will be posted on this blog in the morning (Monday).

England's next match is against China on Tuesday.

For pool tables, visit our World Cup page at our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk

AUSTRALIA TAKE CHAMPIONS TROPHY by Peter Savage in Monchengladbach

Photo: The victorious England team.

Australia were just too strong for England when they met in the final of the Champions Trophy here in Monchengladbach. Two goals in less than a minute, the first from a Luke Doerner corner and the second from Des Abbott, made England look outclassed. A third goal, scored by Jason Wilson, halfway through the first half, finally sunk England's hopes of getting their name on the trophy.

There had been some speculation that a little rain might slow the pitch and suit England against the fast running Australians. Instead of rain we had a monsoon, almost on the half time hooter. The rain was torrential enough to hold up play for well over 30 minutes and there was still some surface water left when the teams returned to resume play. It turned out that the speculation had been misplaced and an early second half goal from Jamie Dwyer gave the Australians a 4-0 victory and the Champions Trophy that went with the win.

The Netherlands overturned form in this tournament by soundly defeating Germany 4-1 to take the bronze medal. Plucky New Zealand succumbed to Spain 3-2 to take the sixth and last place.

Final places:

1. Australia
   
2. England
   
3. Netherlands
   
4. Germany
   
5. Spain
   
6. New Zealand
   

Looking back on the week, Australia were undoubtedly the best team here, winning each of their six matches. There was a general consensus amongst coaches that none teams here had played well, and England had the cards stacked against them with injuries to key players. But to give them credit, England has put in some gutsy performances and can feel proud of their silver medals.

LATE SMITH GOAL GIVES ENGLAND FINAL PLACE by Peter Savage at the Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach

Photo: James Tindall celebrates Richard Smith's late winning goal.

What an amazing day!. This morning there was a theoretical chance that England could make the final. It depended on the improbable chance that The Netherlands, who have had a poor tournament here, could overcome the hosts, Germany. But, of course, England had first to beat New Zealand, a side that has grown in stature incredibly as the week has progressed.

If, before today, you had asked me to name a New Zealand penalty corner striker, I would have been struggling, but I struggle no longer. Their Andrew Hayward nearly put pay to England's dreams of pulling themselves out of the basement end of this tournament. England went ahead twice in this match, only to be pegged back by Hayward's corner striking.

England got off to a dream start, with a goal from James Tindall in less than 60 seconds. Six minutes later it was one apiece, thanks to Hayward's first goal.

England went 3-1 ahead with a goal from Simon Mantell and a second from Tindall, but two second half goals from Hayward meant that England were facing earning just one point from this final match of the round-robin stage.

England were literally saved during the dying seconds, when Richard Smith collected a rebound from a penalty corner and fired home to give England a 4-3 win and another three points.

It all now depended on the results of the other matches. The meeting between The Netherlands and Germany was settled in the first eight minutes when Mink Van Der Weerden scored from a penalty corner. Despite some tense play and several referrals to the video umpire, the Germany could not break down the Dutch defence and the score remained at 1-0.

The well-oiled Australian goal machine looked as if it needed to go in for a service in the early stages of their match against Spain. Spain had already qualified by virtue of winning the previous four matches. Spain were on five points, which would have edged them over England on seven, if they recorded a victory. Each side scored just before the break but the second half was all Australia's and goals from Russell Ford and Des Abbott gave Australia a 3-1 win.

Remarkably, England now find themselves in the final against Australia tomorrow, no mean achievement considering how sparse points were in the early matches. Danny Kerry, the England women's coach, will be reflecting on the irony of his side failing to reach the finals with 10 points in Nottingham, whilst the men have done it here on seven.

Summary of today's matches:

England 4 New Zealand 3
Netherlands 1 Germany 0
Australia 3 Spain 1

Final table after five matches:
1. Australia 15 pts (+16)
2. England 7 pts (-1)
3. Germany 6 pts (+1)
4. The Netherlands 6 pts (-2)
5. Spain 5 pts (-4)
6. New Zealand 4 pts (-10)

Tomorrow's (Sunday) programme:

4^th/5^th place: Spain v New Zealand
3^rd/4^th place: Germany v The Netherlands
Final: England v Australia

ENGLAND’S WOMEN LOSE TO USA

A ninth minute penalty corner goal by Crista Cullen was all England could produce when they went down 5-1 to the USA in their second test at Bisham Abbey this afternoon.

ENGLAND SHOW TRUE GRIT by Peter Savage in Monchengladbach

Photo: The pain on the Dutch defender's face says it all, as Richard Alexander celebrates Jonty Clarke's equaliser in England's match against The Netherlands.

Sometimes it wasn't pretty, but you have to hand it to the England men, who managed to record their first win in this Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach. Sheer hard work, and a lot of grit, saw England get the better of their Dutch opponents, although the match hung in the balance until the final hooter was sounded.

Richard Alexander was able to find the net within five minutes of the start but the Dutch were soon on equal terms, courtesy of Rogier Hofman. England re-established their lead ten minutes later when Simon Mantell scored, only to see an almost immediate riposte from Jeroen Hertzberger. The Dutch took the lead for the first time in the match just before half time when Mink Van Der Weerden converted a penalty corner. Taeke Taekema is not at this tournament, so it was interesting to see other players taking corners for the Dutch.

The game looked as if it was going off the boil in the second half but, as full time approached, England picked up the pace and started to press the Dutch. The equaliser came from Jonty Clarke and then, with seven minutes left, Nick Catlin forced his way through the Dutch defence to set up Richard Alexander to score England's winner. Final score 4-3 to England.

Today's result unexpectedly dumps The Netherlands into bottom place, with England looking at the possibility of a crack at a medal if they can beat New Zealand on Saturday when they play their last match of the round robin stage.

Looking at today's other matches, you had to feel sorry for the New Zealanders, who nearly pulled off their second shock of the week when they met Spain. With seconds left to play, and with a 4-3 lead, they conceded a penalty corner which was converted by Spain's Miquel Delas in overtime. Germany v Australia is often a treat and their meeting this afternoon was no exception. The Germans struck first from a Martin Haner corner, but two goals from Des Abbott and a goal by Jamie Dwyer gave them the win and maximum points in the tournament to date.

Tomorrow (Friday) is a rest day.

Summary of today's play:

Spain 4 New Zealand 4
England 4 Netherlands 3
Australia 3 Germany 1

Table after five matches:
1. Australia 12 pts +14
2. Germany 6 pts +2
3. Spain 5 pts -2
4. England 4 pts -3
5. New Zealand 4 pts -9
6. Netherlands 3 pts -2

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ENGLAND WOMEN DEFEATED BY USA

Two late goals by Katie Long saved face for England as they looked at a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the USA in a test match at Bisham Abbey yesterday (Tuesday).

The USA, currently ranked 10^th in the world, took the lead in the 14^th minute when their captain, Keli Smith, opened the scoring. They went further ahead with a goal either side of half time, the first from Michelle Kasold and the second from Rachel Dawson.

Long's late second half goals, the first from a penalty corner, gave a final and more respectable score of 3-2 to the USA.

England play the USA again tomorrow (Thursday) in what will be their last match before travelling to Rosario for the Women's World Cup later this month.

England squad against the USA:
Crista Cullen (Leicester), Alex Danson (Reading), Jo Ellis (Reading), Gemma Ible (Clifton), Helen Richardson (Reading), Chloe Rogers (Leicester), Georgie Twigg (Clifton), Laura Unsworth (Leicester), Kate Walsh (c) (Reading), Sally Walton (Bowdon Hightown), Nicola White (Slough), Susie Gilbert (University of Birmingham), Katie Long (Leicester), Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown), Natalie Seymour (Canterbury), Kerry Williams (Leicester)

BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE FOR ENGLAND by Peter Savage at the Men’s Champions Trophy

Photo: Ashley Jackson fires off his first half goal against Australia.

Things could hardly have gone worse for England on the third day of play in the Men's Champions Trophy here in Monchengladbach.

England faced Australia this afternoon, a worrying prospect in itself. The Australian results so far have been awesome – they had scored 15 goals in two matches – and they were at their scoring best when they struck twice in two minutes midway through the first half against England. It looked as if England might be facing the same rout that New Zealand had suffered on Saturday. But somehow, England steadied the boat and managed to respond before half time with a well taken penalty corner from Ashley Jackson.

The Australians had by far the better share of possession for much of the game, and a third goal just before the break gave England fans no grounds for optimism. But England fought their way back into the match and were finally given their reward when Jonty Clarke scored five minutes before the end of the game. The final score, 3-2, is Australia's narrowest win of the tournament so far.

If losing was not enough, the results in the other matches sink England to the bottom of the table. The shock result of the day was the defeat of The Netherlands at the hands of New Zealand. It has taken 20 attempts for New Zealand to win a Champions Trophy match, and their performance so far in this tournament had them earmarked for the wooden spoon, but goals from Simon Child, Andrew Hayward and Blair Hilton gave them the surprise 3-1 win.

In the final match of the day, Spain also pulled off a surprise win, against the hosts Germany, beating them 3-2. This leaves England as the only side in the tournament without a win.

Wednesday is a rest day. England next face The Netherlands, on Thursday evening.

Summary of today's results:

New Zealand 3 Netherlands 1
Australia 3 England 2
Germany 2 Spain 3

Table after three matches:
1. Australia 9 pts (+12)
2. Germany 6 pts (+4)
3. Spain 4 pts (-2)
4. Netherlands 3pts (-2)
5. New Zealand 3pts (-9)
6. England 1 pt (-3)

GIRLS TAKE SILVER IN LILLE

England has won silver in the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championships, losing 4-1 to the Netherlands in the finals in Lille.

The boys had less luck in Poland, losing the bronze medal match to Germany. The final between The Netherlands and Belgium finished 4-1 to the Dutch.

GRINSTEAD'S PAYNE BANNED AFTER DOPING TEST

East Grinstead's Ben Payne has been banned from hockey until 16 April 2012 folllowing a random test carried out by the UK Anti Doping Agency after the club's Premier League match against Hampstead & Westminster on 13 March. His sample proved positive for a anabolic steroid substance.

ENGLAND START LIKE CHAMPIONS BUT DRAW TO SPAIN by Peter Savage at the Men’s Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach

Picture: England capain Glenn Kirkham intercepts Spain's Alex Fabregas.

England were introduced by the stadium announcer as European Champions and for the first five minutes against Spain they played like it, with two goals in quick succession, the first from captain Glenn Kirkham and the second from Iain MacKay.

England had upped the pace from the previous day and looked impressive. But as the game progressed the Spanish were showing a worrying amount of possession and, although England held them at bay for the first half, the pressure started to tell in the second. A series of penalty corners, one converted by Pau Quemada and the other by Miquel Delas, put the sides on even terms. Shaken by losing their lead, it only took sixty seconds for a solo run by Jackson to be picked up by Mackay for him to score his second to put England back in the lead.

Despite re-establishing a lead, England continued to be pressed by Spain, who finally had their reward when Gabriel Dabanch scored with six minutes left on the clock. Final score 3-3 and England's first point of the tournament.

In the earlier matches, New Zealand did not face the same onslaught as they had suffered against Australia yesterday, but their 5-2 defeat at the hands of Germany places them firmly at the bottom of the table.

The most intriguing match of the day was the meet between Australia and The Netherlands. The Netherlands might have thought that they had done enough at 3-2 with less than seven minutes left to play, but goals from Desmond Abbott, Jason Wilson, Jamie Dwyer and Russell Ford snatched victory from them. Final score, 6-3 to Australia.

Tomorrow (Monday) is a rest day. Play recommences on Tuesday.

SUMMARY OF SECOND DAY:

New Zealand 2 Germany 5
Netherlands 3 Australia 6
Spain 3 England

Table:
Australia 6 pts (+11)
Germany 6 pts (+5)
Netherlands 3 pts (+0)
England 1 pt (-2)
Spain 1 pt (-3)
New Zealand 0 pts (-11)

ENGLAND MISS MIDDELTON by Peter Savage at the Men’s Champions Trophy in Monchengladbach

Picture: Germany''s Benjamin Wess avoids a Glenn Kirkham strike during one of England's rare first half incursions into the German circle.

All writers are told to avoid clichés, but it was most definitely a game of two halves. In the first half England's standard of play reminded me of the bad old days and, as coach Jason Lee later admitted, "Four or five players didn't play very well." And England were punished for it, until they managed to gain some composure in the second half.

England appeared to be unable to shake off an early setback, when Oskar Deecke opened the German account after only five minutes. Although the Germans failed to find the back of the net for another 25 minutes, a seven minute spell made it look as if England were facing a rout, with goals from Jan-Marco Montag, Martin Haner and Bejamin Wess, giving Germany a 4-0 lead at the break.

England looked a far more credible threat to the Germans in a second half, with Ashley Jackson scoring twice from rebounds from his own penalty corner strikes, but overall a worrying performance from a side which has shown so much improvement over the last few months. Lee attributed part of the problem to a mixed England and GB training programme of late but, in this writer's humble view, the absence of injured Middleton and Richard Mantell had reduced the performance of the team to a level where they could not meet the Germans on anything like equal terms.

If England had problems, they did not face anything half as humbling as New Zealand's 9-1 drubbing at the hands of Australia, with goals from Jamie Dwyer, Luke Doerner(2), Jason Wilson (2), Simon Orchard, Glenn Turner and Russell Ford (2). The ghost of Nottingham haunted this match when an Australian penalty corner goal was disallowed after a video appeal. The injector had his back foot on the line. My spies tell me that the umpires were briefed to warn the player if they had two feet on the pitch after the incident at Nottingham three weeks ago but somehow umpire Vasquez Lopez had not noticed.

The Netherlands beat Spain 5-2 in a lively match to finish the day's proceedings. England meet Spain in the final game tomorrow (Sunday).

Summary of first day:

Germany 4 England 2
Australia 9 New Zealand 1
Netherlands 5 Spain 2

Table after one match:
1. Australia 3 pts (+8)
2. Netherland 3 pts (+3)
3. Germany 3 pts (+2)
4. England 0 pts (-2)
5. Spain 0pts (-3)
6. New Zealand (-8)

ENGLAND JUNIORS UNDER THE COSH IN POLAND

England men's under 21 were under the cosh against France, trailing for all of 42 minutes in their second European Junior Nations Championships match in Poland. Fabien Magner scored early in the game to give the French a 1-0 lead, followed by a goal from Lois Sevestre 17 minutes later. Two penalty strokes, one either side of half time, were converted by David Becket, and England's winner followed shortly afterwards when Chris Griffiths found the net. Final score 3-2 in England's favour. With Belgium (on three points) still to play, England should hang onto their lead in Pool A thanks to a strong goal difference (+5).

The under 21 women had less luck in Lille, where they came up against a strong Dutch side. 2-0 down at half time, Lauren Turner managed to pull one back early in the secondhalf, but the Dutch ran out as eventual winners 5-1. England slip to second place behind the Dutch, with France and Lithuania still to play

ENGLAND OFF TO GOOD START IN EUROPEAN UNDER 21s

England's mens and women's teams made an excellent start in the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championships yesterday.

In Lille the women's under 21 team overcame the hosts, France, with penalty corner goals from Sophie Bray and Hollie Webb, and a penalty stroke conversion by Harriet Pearce. Final score 3-1 to England. After one match England top Pool B on goals scored, ahead of The Netherlands.

In Poland, England's under 21 men put five past Spain to give them the lead in Pool A on goal difference, ahead of Belgium. First half goals from Simon Faulkner, Will Hearne, Chris Griffiths, John Kinder and David Becket gave them the 5-1 win.

GOLD FOR ARGENTINA – BRONZE FOR ENGLAND by Susan Edghill at the Champions Trophy in Nottingham

England overcame Germany for the second time at this year's Champions Trophy to take the bronze medal they deserved.

At the start of the match a presentation was made to Beth Storry in recognition of her 50^th cap for England. Mention was also made of Natascha Keller who earned her 360^th cap for Germany to become the most capped player in German history.

England led the pressure on Germany at the start of the match and earned a penalty corner after just four minutes, but the attempted switch left Germany able to clear the ball. It was then Germany's turn to press and when England failed to clear the ball went through the defence into the circle and Maike Stockel was on hand to put the ball over Beth Storry and into the net for a 1-0 lead. They nearly scored again but first the German forward missed her shot and then Storry saved.

The game then went from end to end with England having the better of the pressure, with several chances, the best of which saw Nicola White hit the post after diving to meet a hit into the circle. England's second corner came with five minutes remaining in the half but Crista Cullen's shot was well saved by the keeper. England's third corner on the hooter saw Helen Richardson nearly outwit the Germans again when her deflection hit the keeper's mask and flew over the bar.

It was third time lucky in the second half as England won three successive corners. On the third one Cullen's shot went up off the keeper and Susie Gilbert was on hand to put the ball in the net. Ten minutes later and Cullen finally found her way into the net by putting the ball through the keeper's legs at England's fourth corner.

England survived a scare five minutes from time when Germany were three on two, but the day was theirs and the team went wild as the whistle blew for full time.

Argentina retained their Champions Trophy title when they beat The Netherlands by 4-2 in the final.

England made it to the final when umpire Frances Block was chosen to officiate. It was bad luck for the Argentine umpire that her team were in the final as she and Block were the two best umpires present.

The Dutch started slowly and it was Argentina who forced the first corner and the first goal of the game through Noel Barrionuevo after nine minutes. The Netherlands then camped in the Argentine half until they finally scored from open play through Kelly Jonkers, the Dutch having forced several saves from goalkeeper Belen Succi previously.

The Dutch continued to press but it was the Argentines who retook the lead when a superb through pass by Agustina Soledad Garcia was picked up by Carla Rebecchi who rounded the keeper to score. With five minutes of the first half remaining Barrionuevo made it 3-1 with her second corner strike of the match.

With fourteen minutes of the second half remaining Maartje Goderie robbed Silvine Delia to strike the ball from the top of the circle past keeper Joyce Sombroek to set up an exciting finale to the match. But the Dutch needed to press forward which left them stretched at the back and forced their captain to concede another corner. Up stepped Barrionuevo to score her hat-trick and her 8^th goal of the tournament, making her the leading scorer overall.

After drawing with England yesterday to deny them a place in the final, New Zealand took 5^th place as they came from behind to beat Olympic silver medalists

China by 4-3.

Leading at half time with goals from Ma Yibo and Zhao Yudiao to a Charlotte Harrison strike, China's Ma Yibo put them in the lead again after Katie Glynn scored her second of the tournament to equalise for New Zealand. But the Kiwis fought back again, equalising through Piki Hamahona before Gemma Flynn gave them the lead eight minutes from time to earn them the win.

Tournament Awards:

Leading goalscorer – Noel Barrionuevo
Goalkeeper of the tournament – England's Beth Storry
Player of the tournament – Luciana Aymer

Images from the final days of the tournament will appear on our images page later tomorrow (Monday).

GERMANY WIN FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT

Germany won the men's Four Nations Tournament in Nottingham this evening after seven minutes of golden goal extra time. Great Britain started the match in fine style with a 10^th minute goal from Barry Middleton, with a second by James Tindall from a penalty corner five minutes later. But the Germans came back strongly in the second half, Martin Swicker scoring the equaliser as normal time drew to a close. The winner was scored by Germany's Jan-Marco Montag.

Earlier New Zealand won the third place match against Japan, 4-2.

ARGENTINE APPEAL DEPRIVES ENGLAND OF FINAL PLACE by Susan Edghill at the Champions Trophy

(Photo: England's hopes of getting to the final are sunk as Noel Barrionuevo scores for Argentina in the closing seconds of their match against China)

New Zealand earned their first point of this Champions Trophy when they held England to a 2-2 draw and denied them a place in the final.

England earned their first penalty corner after just four minutes, but Kate Walsh's switch was cleared by the New Zealand defence. And it was New Zealand who broke away and scored after nine minutes through Piki Hamahona.

England's second corner saw Crista Cullen's shot saved by Beth Jurgeleit in the New Zealand goal. Despite the England pressure it was New Zealand who went 2-0 up half way through the half, Gemma Flynn putting the ball in the net when England failed to clear.

Cullen went down with an injured ankle and went off. Shortly after that a quick hit out again by Laura Unsworth saw the ball picked up by Charlotte Craddock who drove into the circle and crossed for Nicola White to tap it into the goal for 2-1.

With five minutes to go England won their third corner. It proved to be third time lucky when Cullen put the ball in the net to equalise.

England looked nervous in the second half as they pushed forward to get the goal which would put them into the final.

Krystal Forgesson earned New Zealand's first card of the tournament when she was green carded for a foul half way through the second half and was then yellow carded with one minute to go.

England had one corner with 35 seconds remaining but Cullen's shot was saved by the keeper. They thought they had won another one right on the hooter but the video umpire ruled that the incident had happened after the final whistle.

The Netherlands made sure of their place in the final by beating the Germans 1-0.

Nine minutes in and Germany won their first penalty corner, but captain Tina Bachmann's shot hit the post and was cleared by the Dutch.

It took the Dutch until the 22^nd minute to earn a penalty corner, but a super save by Kristina Reynolds from Maartje Paumen kept the score at 0-0.

A video referral gave the Dutch their second corner with eight minutes left in the half, but Reynolds saved once more from Paumen.

Five minutes from time and it was Joyce Sombroek's turn to make a save from Bachmann.

A third corner was cleared by the Germans and two minutes later Paumen hit the top of the bar with her fourth corner attempt.

With twenty minutes of the game remaining it was the Dutch who finally broke the ice with Kim Lammers turning Julia Muller to score the 1000^th goal in Women's Champions Trophy history, despite German attempts to get the decision overturned.

Three minutes later and Bachmann's shot from Germany's third corner went frustratingly for her just past the far post.

From then on it was The Netherlands who looked in control, with occasional forays from Germany.

Argentina needed to win to make it through to the final and defend their title and they did so by taking the chances that the Chinese did not with a narrow win by 4-3.

China started well and earned two penalty corners, the second of which hit the bar. However, when Daniela Sruoga went unchallenged into the circle it was Argentina who took the lead, but four minutes from time it was a mistake by the Argentine goalkeeper which let in Wang Zhishuang to equalise.

Ten minutes into the second half and an Argentine corner was put in the top of the net by Silvina Delia. Two corners to China in the next two minutes were both well saved by the goalkeeper to keep Argentina in the lead. And within a minute a mistake in the Chinese defence led to Rosario Luchetti lobbing the ball over the keeper to make it 1-3. With ten minutes to go China's fifth penalty corner was finally converted when they switched and Zhao Yudiao scored for 2-3. Then a hit out from the back reached captain Fu Baorong her reverse shot past the Argentine keeper to equalise brought the biggest cheer of the day from the crowd.

There was still one twist left to the game though when Argentina appealed for a foul and the corner was cleared by a Chinese player who still had on her mask. The subsequent corner was converted by Noel Barrionuevo to dash England's hopes of a place in the final.

England will now play Germany for the bronze medal match.

Final standings after round robin stage: 1. Netherlands 12 pts (+5), 2. Argentina 10 pts (+6), 3. England 10 pts (+0), 4. Germans 7 pts (+2), 5. China 3 pts (-2), 6. New Zealand 1 pt (-11).

Men's Four Nations Tournament in Nottingham Day 3 Results

Germany 4 Japan 2

New Zealand 1 Great Britain 5 (Simon Mantell, James Tindall [2], Ashley Jackson [2])

Great Britain play Germany in the final tomorrow evening (Saturday)

CHINA BROKEN BY CRADDOCK by Susan Edghill at the Champions Trophy in Nottingham

(Photo: Charlotte Craddock waits to receive a pass from Ashleigh Ball to give England a 2-0 lead).

England beat China for the first time ever in the Women's Champions Trophy by winning by 2-1.

Eleven minutes into the game and the first penalty corner went to China. Up stepped Ma Yibo to score with a good drag flick past Beth Storry. England had to wait until eleven minutes from half time to win their first penalty corner of the half when pressure from Laura Unsworth paid off. But China cleared and ended the first half 1-0 in the lead.

Nine minutes into the second half England won their second penalty corner which they used to good effect. This time Crista Cullen's shot was saved but the rebound was put into the net by Helen Richardson, for her third goal of the tournament.

Half way into the second half and a super run by Ashleigh Ball into the circle, skimming three Chinese defenders en route, saw her cross met by Charlotte Craddock to give England a 2-1 lead and Craddock her first goal in an England shirt.

England's third corner saw Kate Walsh's shot saved by the keeper.

With five minutes to go China's captain was given a yellow card and she joined Gao Lihua on the bench and England ran down the clock in China's half for an historic win and a guaranteed medal place play off. A win on Saturday will put England into the final and a chance to win gold.

Germany took the lead in the thirteenth minute with a goal from Eileen Hoffmann and never looked like being beaten in a very one-sided match, although at half time the penalty corner tally was 3-1 in favour of New Zealand. Katharina Otte with a penalty corner and another field goal by Hoffmann gave Germany a 3-0 lead at half time.

When Maike Stockel made it 4-0 and then a penalty stroke from Natascha Keller it looked all over. However, New Zealand had other ideas. With ten minutes to go Gemma Flynn had the best chance of the half for New Zealand when she took the ball at the top of the circle and past the defence, but her shot was just past the post. But a quickly taken free hit from Kate Mahon who pushed the ball through to Katie Glynn to score through the keeper's legs and put New Zealand on the score sheet with just seven minutes remaining.

Three minutes left and a mistake by the German defence let in Samantha Harrison who rounded the keeper and her reverse stick shot flew into the net to make the final score 5-2.

Argentina bounced back into contention to retain their Champions Trophy title with a 4-2 win over The Netherlands.

It only took six minutes for Noel Barrionuevo to score her fourth penalty corner of the tournament to put Argentina into the lead.

The lead lasted all of three minutes before a cross after a super run along the back line by Eva de Goede was put in the net by Marilyn Agliotti.

Maartje Paumen scored her fourth penalty corner of the tournament to give The Netherlands the lead, but three minutes from time it was all level again after a strike by Marina Delfino.

The second half was end to end with Argentina having the edge. It was Argentina who took the lead nearly half way through with a back stick hit from Carla Rebecchi. Then with fifteen minutes remaining Argentina made it 4-2 with a super run along the back line from Agustina Soledad Garcia and goal from Rosario Luchetti.

Any one of four teams can now make the final, much depending on the first game on Saturday when The Netherlands take on Germany. Argentina take on China and England wrap up the group games with a game against New Zealand who have failed to score a point as yet.

Positions after four matches: 1. Netherlands 9 pts (+4), 2. ENGLAND 9 pts (+0), 3. Argentina 7 pts (+5), 4. Germany 7 (+3), 5. China 3 pts (-1), 6. New Zealand 0pts (-11).

Men's Four Nations Tournament in Nottingham Day 2 Results

Great Britain 2 (Simon Mantell, Ashley Jackson), Germany 3

New Zealand 3 Japan 4

ENGLAND APPEAL INFURIATES BEHRMANN by Susan Edghill at the Champions Trophy in Nottingham

(Photo: Helen Richardson celebrates her goal against Germany)

The England hockey team took revenge over the German football win by beating the Germans 2-1 in a thrilling match at the Champions Trophy in Nottingham.

England drew first blood when they won a penalty corner after just three minutes, but the shot by Crista Cullen was wide.

Germany had to wait until 20 minutes into the game to earn their first penalty corner, but they appeared to take great advantage of it and walk the ball into the goal for a 1-0 lead. However, England appealed the goal which was then overturned for the ejector's foot encroachment into the circle – a decision which infuriated German coach Michael Behrmann who could barely speak at the after match press conference.

Four minutes later and England won their second penalty corner. Their training set piece worked a treat as captain Kate Walsh pushed the ball to Helen Richardson at the post who had the easy task of pushing the ball in for a 1-0 lead.

It only took Germany six minutes in the second half to earn their second corner of the game, but England won a free hit. A minute later and Beth Storry made a great save from Eileen Hoffman to deny Germany the equaliser.

A great hit out of defence by Laura Unsworth gave the ball to Alex Danson with a chance to make it 2-0, but although she was able to beat the defender she could not make it past goalkeeper Barbara Vogel.

After a German appeal for a penalty corner was turned down, Vogel nearly let in Nicola White when she decided to dribble out of defence, but White's shot just skimmed past the far post.

Another corner to Germany half way through the second half was well defended by England. But with ten minutes to go England conceded a fourth corner and although they appealed again for the goal to be disallowed for a high ball, this time Natascha Keller's goal stood. 1-1.

With seven minutes remaining, England won their third corner and their second goal, in exactly the same manner as the first.

Another corner a minute later and England thought they had their third from the rebound when Hannah Macleod put the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed. However, it mattered not when the hooter when for full time with England winners over Germany 2-1.

The first victory ever for England over Germany in the Champions Trophy.

It took Argentina until seven minutes into the second half to get the ball past Bianca Russell in the New Zealand goal.

Russell made save after save from Argentine penalty corners to keep her team in the game as New Zealand failed to make the most of their attacking plays in the first half. But it was a run down the wing and fine cross by Carla Rebecchi which was ultimately touched in by Delfina Merino to open the scoring. With fifteen minutes to go it was Noel Barrionuevo with her third goal in successive matches who put the ball past Russell from Argentina's fifth penalty corner, but only when it deflected off captain Emily Naylor on the line.

Luciana Aymar made it 3-0 with five minutes to go, and Daniela Sruoga made it 4-0 with New Zealand still unable to make any headway into the Argentine defence.

It took China just five minutes to penetrate the Dutch defence when an incisive ball was pushed through to captain Fu Baorong, who calmly put the ball past goalkeeper Joyce Sombroek. China survived two penalty corner attempts by the Dutch in the first half before going into the break 1-0 in the lead.

But the lead only lasted five minutes into the second half as Maartje Paumen put the ball into the net at their third corner. China had chances of their own, but it was Paumen who put the Netherlands in the lead with another of her trademark corners to finally overcome the Chinese threat.

Table after three matches: 1. Netherlands 9pts (+6), 2. England 6 pts (-1), 3. Argentina 4 pts (+3), 4. Germany 4pts (+0), 5. China 3 (+0), 6. New Zealand 0 pts (-8).

Tomorrow is a rest day. England resume play on Thursday when they meet China. Meanwhile, Great Britain's men play Germany tomorrow at Nottingham in the Four Nations Tournament.

Men's Four Nations Tournament in Nottingham Day 1 Results

Germany 3
New Zealand 1

Great Britain 6 (Ashley Jackson, James Tindall [2], Barry Middleton, Nick Catlin, Jonty Clarke)
Japan 4

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ENGLAND BROUGHT DOWN WITH A BUMP by Susan Edghill at the Women’s Champions Trophy in Nottingham

(Photo: Teammates go to the aid of Sophie Polkamp as umpire Eskina summons help from the bench).

After yesterday's historic win against Argentina, England were brought back to earth with a bump when they lost to the World and Olympic champions, The Netherlands by 3-0.

In the first half a mistake by Crista Cullen let in Ellen Hoog to score with a reverse stick shot past the star of yesterday, goalkeeper Beth Storry.

Four minutes from the end of the first half England earned their first penalty corner. Controversially their switch was ruled obstruction by the Argentine umpire and the Netherlands broke away fast to leave Storry with no chance against Kelly Jonker who made it 2-0 to the Netherlands.

England started the second half well when they were awarded their second corner after just three minutes. The Dutch kept out Cullen's shot and then the rebound was followed up by Chloe Rogers. Unfortunately Sophie Polkamp came in from the wrong side and caught the swing straight in her face, returning to the pitch later sporting a cut over her left eye.

England kept out three penalty corners from the Dutch, but couldn't keep out a final goal from Eva de Goede five minutes from time to make it 3-0. Despite a penalty corner in the last minute, England failed to make a dent in the Dutch defence.

After losing to England yesterday, reigning champions Argentina came from behind to earn a point against Germany and were unlucky not to win.

A first half goal by German veteran Natascha Keller was cancelled out in the second half with strikes from Argentina's Mariana Rossi and Noel Barrionuevo. A penalty corner goal by Tina Bachmann gave Germany a share of the honours. Despite intense pressure from Argentina including five consecutive corners the German defence held out.

Today's Results:

Germany 2 Argentina 2

Netherlands 3 England 0

New Zealand 1 China 3

Table after two matches: 1. Netherlands 6pts, 2. Germany 4 pts, 3. China 3 pts (+1), 4. England 3 pts (-2), 5. Argentina 1pt, New Zealand 0 pts.

Tomorrow (Monday) is a rest day, but the first of the men's Four Nation Matches involving Great Britain will be played in the evening.

SINGING ENGLAND ON SONG AGAINST ARGENTINA by Susan Edghill at the Women’s Champions Trophy in Nottingham

(Photo: Hannah Macleod scores England's opening goal against Argentina)

England beat holders Argentina to win only their third Champions Trophy match in history. The match started rather bizzarely when the national anthem failed to play and the whole England team started singing, very quickly joined by the partisan crowd.

Argentina then started the match at pace and won their first penalty corner after just one minute. However, the high strike was well cleared by goalkeeper Beth Storry, playing in her first major tournament since dislocating her shoulder at the European Championships in Amsterdam last year. And after ten minutes a second corner to Argentina saw their shot pushed on to the post by Storry.

Two minutes later England scored a great team goal, passing around the Argentines, culminating in Hannah Macleod putting the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead.

England gained their first penalty corner after 15 minutes, quickly followed by another but the shot was saved.

Argentina looked dangerous when six time World Player of the Year, Luciana Aymar, strode forward but the England defence stood strong, with Crista Cullen alongside captain Kate Walsh doing an outstanding job.

England continued to press and Laura Unsworth went close with a shot just past the post.

Two minutes into the second half Argentina earned their third corner only to be thwarted once more by Storry.

Walsh was given a five minute suspension on 44 minutes but these seemed to spur the England team on and Argentina only managed one shot in the time she was off the pitch.

However, when Mariela Scarone was given a suspension for Argentina, England's Laura Unsworth immediately won a corner ensuing in Alex Danson putting the ball in the net for a 2-0 lead half way through the half.

Two minutes later and Storry could do nothing when Argentina's second penalty corner of the half was hit low to her right by Noel Barrionuevo. But Storry saved well from the same player with just four minutes to go denying Argentina and giving England their historic win.

China opened the scoring in the first match of the 2010 Champions Trophy after just nine minutes through Xu Xiaoxu. Eight minutes later the Germans were level when a speculative hit into the circle by birthday girl Jennifer Plass was tipped into the top of the net by Eileen Hoffmann.

Despite Chinese pressure the scores remained level as they failed to make the most of their chances, failing only in the final twenty five. In the second half they were made to pay for their lack of finishing when Hoffmann pushed the ball over the line to make it 2-1, the final score.

The final game of the day saw World and Olympic champions Netherlands take on an ever improving New Zealand side. The Dutch had to work hard to overcome the Kiwis 3-1.

Kiwi Lucy Talbot was forced into a goal line clearance after ten minutes and the fist penalty corner of the match also went to the Netherlands, but the defence was out quickly and New Zealand cleared.

The Netherlands had another chance with six minutes remaining but Beth Jurgeleit saved first from Maartje Paumens and then Naomi van As. But the Dutch did not look comfortable as the New Zealanders continued to press them all the way.

In the second half it was the Kiwis who took a deserved lead through Clarissa Eshuis. But the Dutch used their experience to level through Eva de Goede just four minutes later.

When the Kiwis failed to convert their chances they were made to pay when Paumens converted the first Dutch corner of the half. They tried unsuccessfully to level and this left a gap at the back which Kim Lammers took advantage of to make it 3-1.

England take on The Netherlands tomorrow in what could be their best chance of victory against the Dutch for some time.

Photographs from today's matches will appear on our images site at www.hockeyimages.co.uk tomorrow (Sunday).

Women's Champions Trophy, Nottingham

TalkHockeyRadio is at the Women's Champions Trophy all week. Look out for daily reports on proceedings in Nottingham.