England – Italy
Match 1 Monday 11th Oct

England started the 2004 campaign with the opening match against the hosts Italy. Italy was always going to be a strong, tough opposition with a team that has been three years in the making. In contrast the England side were a much younger and inexperienced side that were only confirmed in the last month.
For many of the England side, this was the first taste of a full-size international rink, and it showed, a stronger and more committed Italian side often intercepted short passes. So often England were first to the ball, only to give the ball away in critical positions. England’s Number 1 Keeper, Daniel Otway-Ruthven showed agility and experience in keeping the strong Italians out in the early exchanges, impressive debuts from George Noble and Damaras Gordon In the first half kept the first half score line to a respectable 0-4.

The second half started disappointingly with Ashley Pay replacing Daniel in Goal and England conceded two early second half goals, a third and an injury to Ashley Pay resulted in Ash missing out the rest of the game.

A neat exchange of passes in front of the Italian goal between Steven Manford and the England Captain Alex so nearly resulted in the opening goal of the tournament for this young England side.

Strong defending by the England number 6 Ed Armstrong and tireless play from the Maidstone’s Alex De Figueiredo and Johnny Argile from Middlesborough gave encouragement to the team and the loyal supporters who had made the trip from the UK.

The final whistle saw Italy running out in the end comfortable winners 0-11. But as always the score did not reflect the whole story, there are positives from this young England side, Josh Bishop, at only 15, showed determination and skill that will be developed into a strong international player of the future.

Tomorrow sees the England side up against the Strong Portuguese, who had a rest day today, lets all hope the team will have learnt from the Italian experience and move forward.

Nic Pay

Viareggio

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Reporter: Gordon Morrison