A goal in each half by Clifton’s Jo Leigh helped England secure bronze with a 2-0 victory over Spain at the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship in Waterloo, Belgium, on Saturday afternoon.
England edged the first half in terms of dominance, but didn’t take the lead until the 31st minute. At a penalty corner Emma Trunks fired into the D, where Jo Leigh scored with the rebound.
Spain provided a more stern test in the second half, and created more chances with four penalty corners after the break to England’s one. But the English defence held firm, and it was Leigh again who scored three minutes from the end.
Play came down the left side, where Hannah Martin crossed into the D for Leigh to deflect home on the reverse stick into the bottom right corner of the net.
England coach Kevin Johnson said: “It was really pleasing to see the turnaround in performance from our semi final to the game today.
“Our executions, basics and commitment to the game plan was first class throughout, and as a result we put together a highly professional performance. We are thrilled to pick up the bronze medal.”
