20th July England v France
England’s 3rd opponents were the French and the team who had already caused an upset in beating Spain and drawing with Portugal. The game started very close but the pure strength of the French started to show with the England team becoming under more and more pressure, this led to the opening goal. The goal was a well worked screen which caused a mix up in the marking. The pressure continued only for England to steal the ball and Clare Hallam to equalize on the counter attack. This was not to last as the French continued to hustle and force two more goals. The half time score 3-1 to France. The 2nd half produced a change in goalkeepers as Emma Russell came on to play her first part of the championships. The French lead was soon extended with a quick counter attack to make it 4-1. A time out followed with a slight change in tactics with them being asked to drag the French to one side. This occurred with three of our players moving to one side of the rink which in turn left one player free on the blind side of the French defence. With immediate effect a flick shot from Katie found the net after some very bad juggling from the French keeper. England’s confidence was growing and some very good team play forced the French back. A misjudged pass set the French up for a counter attack and the lead was pushed to 5-2. Straight from the centre England pushed the French back again for another well worked England goal down the blind side scored by Katie. A flick shot to the top left which no one was stopping. The last few minutes saw various changes in players and a more open game with another goal apiece at both ends. Final score was 6-4 to France.

22nd July England v Spain
The girls enjoyed a day off on the 21st but it was soon back to business again against an under performing Spanish side. The girls started very nervously and were put under pressure from the off. There were various mix ups in defence which led to three Spanish first half goals. Half time score 3-0. The start of the second half showed little improvement with the Spanish extending their lead. The one moment of play by England was a clever block by Clare Curry for space to be created for Clare Hallam to skate through to score. This was the one moment of encouragement in the whole game. The final score was 7-1 to Spain.

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Reporter: Aileen Barker