England in a strong position

by Patrick Rowley (16.1.2010)

England’s women’s indoor team finished the second day in a strong position to win the European Challenge at Rouen, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden in their third match.

They followed that with an 8-2 win over Croatia with. Chloe Rogers scoring five. That brought her tournament tally to eleven.
Success came despite the absence of Sally Walton (Bowdon) who was taken sick in Rouen.

England flew out Sarah Haycroft, an 18 year old Birmingham University student, as late replacement.

England’s men dropped their first point at the European Indoor Nations Trophy when held to a 2-2 draw by top seeded Switzerland in their third match at Poznan.

Richard Smith and Jonty Clarke, two members of the England’s European outdoor gold medal team, put England 2-0 ahead in the first half but the Swiss came back with goals by Studemann and Bernhard to level.

England went into the top four play-offs needing bigger wins against Poland and Sweden than the Swiss might achieve, if they are to win the trophy and qualify for the World Indoor Cup.

East Grinstead made it six wins out of six on the third day of the English Indoor League despite their England absentees. They beat Havant 10-1 and came from 3-0 down to beat Surbiton 7-4.

Copy for Sunday Express 16 January 2010.