Gilbert's winner

by Pat Rowley (20.6.2009)

A stunning reverse stick strike by 20 year old Birmingham University student Susie Gilbert five minutes from time gave England’s women’s team a 3-2 win over European champions Germany in the first of two weekend internationals at Russelsheim.

It was England’s first away win over Germany in 28 years and will give enormous encouragement to the team a month before they compete in
Champions Trophy in Sydney.

Despite a very physical encounter, England swept into a two goal lead in the first 22 minutes. Chloe Rogers scored from England’s only corner and then Bowdon’s Jo Ellis with a reverse stick shot after Alex Danson had split the German defence.

The Germans drew level, scoring twice in mid second half through Fanny Rinne (penalty stroke) and Lydia Haase from a rebound.

England continued to press forward and were duly rewarded with the deciding goal, Gilbert’s first for England.

copy for Sunday Express 21.6.2009