ENGLAND WOMEN COLLECT BRONZE

by Patrick Rowley (29.8.2009)

England who go for gold against Germany in the men’s final today, won the women’s bronze medals at the European Championship beating Spain 2-1 in the third place match at Amstelveen.

Chloe Rogers and the captain Kate Walsh scored England’s goals.

Rogers gave England an early lead, smoothly flicking home from a 7th minute corner. Walsh, a commanding figure in England’s defence throughout the event, made it 2-0 in the 43rd minute, converting a penalty stroke awarded when Alex Danson was upended in the Spanish circle.

Soon after England had another penalty when Catherine Long was fouled as she prepared to shoot. This time the Spanish goalkeeper saved
Walsh’s stroke superbly.

Spain then immediately broke for Silvia Munoz to score and raise Spanish hopes of saving the game. But England kept cool and regained
their dominance.

The European title was won by the Netherlands who beat Germany 3-2. It was the Germans who had beaten England in the semi finals by a golden goal.

copy for Sunday Express 30.8.2009