MEDALS FOR OUR ENGLAND GIRLS
Leicester's five strong contingent of players will return from the European Hockey Championships with bronze medals, matching England's performances at the last two Euros.
Chloe Rogers, Kerry Williams, Katie Long, Beckie Herbert and Hannah MacLeod were all part of the England squad that lost 2-1 in the semi final to Germany on a golden goal which put England up against Spain once again for Bronze. There was to be no rousing chorus of Viva Espana for the Spanish as England came out on top for the third time running with a 2-1 victory, Leicester's Chloe Rogers opening the scoring for England at a penalty corner.
Kate Walsh scored the second from the spot and missed the chance to make it 3-0 when Rogers was fouled in the circle. Spain narrowed the gap with ten minutes to go but the young England side hung on to win 2-1.
Congratulations to all the squad, especially our contingent and former player Helen Richardson (still can't get used to seeing Reading after her name on the team sheet).
Elsewhere in the world, Crista Cullen has been having a huge impact on the Inter-Provincial tournament in South Africa. She has captained Kwazulu Natal Coastal Raiders into the final against Southern Gauteng. Cullen has had a year away from England, travelled a lot, met a South African boyfriend, ended up in Durban and is throughly enjoying herself playing for Kwazulu Natal.