England's women emerge triumphant

Hockey

England won the Indoor European Cup 4-3 on penalties after drawing 2- 2 with Germany in the final at the Kelvin Hall yesterday, writes Peter Colwill from Glasgow.

It was a deserved triumph for the only unbeaten team in the tournament, but they had to contend with a frenzied second-half German onslaught.

Carolyn Reid, outstanding all weekend, clinched victory by saving the fifth German stroke taken by Ihem Merabet, but it was her spectacular save from the first German attempt by Philipa Suxdorf which was the turning point.

Germany took the lead in the 15th minute through Britta Lovonius but Jackie Crook equalised on the stroke of half-time. In the second half Katrin Kauschke converted a corner, but Sam Wright replied with a goal from their sixth corner.

England reached the final with a 5-4 win against Scotland. Lorraine Marsden scored two early goals and two corner conversions by Crook and a goal from Mandy Nicholls gave them a 5-3 lead. Wendy Fraser converted a penalty stroke in the penultimate minute but England held firm.