European Championship Seniors is being held in Oviedo- Spain from 21st to 26th July 2008 and
8 countries are participating in this competition.
Group A - Spain, Italy, France and Holland
Group B - Switzerland, Portugal, England and Germany
England will play their first game on Monday against Portugal at 19:15 hours (18:15 hours in England). Tomorrow they will play Switzerland at 15:45 hours and Wednesday the last game of the group against Germany at 17:30 hours.
England Team:
1- Ian Smith (Middlesbrough)
2- John Jones (Middlesbrough)
3- Karl Smith (HBU)
4- Marc Waddingham (Grimsby)
5- Marc Rutland (Middlesbrough)
6- Grant Zaccarias (Middlesbrough)
7- James Taylor - Captain (Italy)
8- Michael Ableson (Middlesbrough)
9- Russell Lloyd (Plymouth)
10- Ian Morrison (Areces-Spain)
James Taylor captain of the team mentioned his feelings regarding participation in this competition:
It is a new young team and because limited preparation it is been hard to gel on the rink but from the time we have been together. We are coming on well and I think it is positive for English Roller Hockey. Another positive is that off the rink there is a good “team atmosphere” and everyone gets on very well. Although we have had a short time together I feel very comfortable with my team mates. Everyone has a good understanding of the tactics and the way Carlos wants us to play. The objective is to be competitive in every game and improve for the “world’s” next year. Hopefully we can get some positive results. I have played under Carlos for many years now and I know that any team he coaches will be very organised; so I am always happy with that aspect.
