The England Seniors are off to a strong start in their preparations for the World Senior Championship to be held later in the year by continuing their undefeated status in the Tourcoing tournament.

“It’s important to test player combinations and our system” said Coach Carlos Amaral, “all our players are getting a run in each match, with Goalkeepers having a half each.”

On Saturday England played its first and most challenging match against Rouviax Bay RHC coming out the eventual winner 4-3 with Mark Waddingham, Shaun Pearce, Mat Oaten and Captain Joe Wheatly scoring a goal each.

“The team played the moves well!” said Carlos “and performed their individual marking in our half well.”

Just one hour later England’s faced Mt St Aignin, French Div 2 team, using continuous player rotation and half rink pressure in defence to minimise the effect of fatigue. The team held the ball well and demonstrated improved movement in attack to see Mark Waddingham score 3 and younger players Mat Oaten and Jez I’anson with a goal each to take the match 5-0.

To qualify for the final England then played its third match of the day against German 1st Division side Ansbach RHC winning by a convincing 9-1 with Darrel Pearce (3), Joe Wheatly (3), Shaun Pearce, Mark Waddingham, and Neil Austin scoring after using full rink individual marking to dominate their opponent for the match.

“I am really pleased that our preparations are going so well” said Carlos, “Although we have a match remaining on Sunday morning we have decisively qualified for the final!”

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Reporter: Kos Galtos