London Cup: Double success for England in finals
Sunday 13 July 2014 21:35, UK
England’s men and women both lifted silverware with victories in their respective London Cup finals on Sunday.
The men’s team needed penalties to beat Ireland at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre at Queen Elizabeth Park, with the hosts prevailing 4-2 in the shootout after it finished 2-2 in normal time.
England goalkeeper George Pinner saved from Michael Watt and Eugene Magee, while Ashley Jackson, captain Barry Middleton, Harry Martin and Simon Mantell were all on target for England.
England had beaten Ireland 4-1 in their final pool game on Saturday and they looked on course for another comfortable win when Alastair Brogdon put them ahead in the sixth minute.
They then went on to dominate the first half but Ireland levelled shortly after the break through Magee.
The home side were back in front in the 49th minute thanks to David Condon but Ireland forced the shootout when Michael Darling struck in the closing stages.
England’s women’s team defeated South Africa 2-1 in their final after Sam Quek scored the winner from a penalty corner with seven minutes remaining.
Nicola White gave England the lead in the first half but Jade Mayne equalised before the interval.
