HOCKEY: England get their hands on silver

ENGLAND TOOK the silver medal in the European Junior Nations Cup in Poznan, Poland, yesterday, losing 3-2 in a highly competitive final to Germany. After the Germans had taken an early lead England equalised through David Mathews at a penalty corner just before the interval, but allowed the Germans to add two quick goals early in the second half.

Although Bournville's Tom Bertram pulled a goal back at another penalty corner to set up an onslaught in the closing five minutes they were unable to score again to force extra time.

In Saturday's semi-final against the Dutch holders of the European title, England overcame a two-goal deficit to force a 3-3 draw. Goals from Jason Collins and Paul Wicken put England on terms before Mathews gave them the lead briefly in the second half. Extra-time brought no more goals and England won the shoot-out 5-3.