MEDAL FOR HOLLY BUT LESSONS FOR MOST
Leicester players on international duty in recent weeks have had a mixed bag of results but the majority have been on the end of some tough scorelines.
Holly Payne was part of the England U18 squad that returned from Nivelles, Belgium with bronze medals. Having triumphed in 2008 this might have been seen as a disappointment but the competition, especially from Holland and Germany was hot and the England side enjoyed three pool wins over France, Belgium and Ireland before losing 4-1 to the Dutch in the semi. In the 3rd-4th play off England always held the advantage and won 2-1. Well done to Holly.
At the same time, Jess Hickman was in Germany with England U16s for three Tests. One was abandoned as the pitch was flooded but England lost the other games 5-1 and 4-2. There was clear improvement though and Jess has now been picked for the forthcoming Home Internationals in Scotland with matches on 22nd v Wales, 23rd v Ireland and 24th v the hosts, Scotland. Good luck to Jess.
At U21 level, Lauren Turner and Abi Harper are in Valencia in early August for U21 matches v Spain. This is being used as preparation for the U21 World Cup in Boston USA, later in the month. Good luck to both as they seek to clinch their places for WC Pool matches v France, Korea and Chile. England ought to easily finish in the top three to progress to further pools and a chance to medal. It is to be hoped that they can finish higher than the U21 boys who came 16th of 20 in their World Cup! Good luck Loz and Abi.
There was disappointment in Sydney at the Champions' Trophy for Leicester's contingent of Kerry Williams, Chloe Rogers, Katie Long, Gemma Darrington and Beckie Herbert as they finished 6th and last against very tough opposition. A 2-2 draw v Holland in the first match flattered to deceive as England fell to defeats against Germany and Argentina. Illness and injury began to take a toll as England's challenge crumbled in heavy defeats to Australia and China. The 5th-6th match was the hardest to take as England lost 7-0 to a resurgent China side. Next year England will host the Champions' trophy in Nottingham and will hope to have learned a lot from the great opportunity presented this year.
The team now needs to pick itself up ahead of the Europeans in Amsterdam in August when England will need a top 4 finish to make the World Cup event.