Hockey: Silver for Reading

Reading's gold trail ended in disappointment in Eindhoven last night as their captain, Jon Wyatt, had his penalty stroke saved in the shoot-out which Reading lost 5-3 to Oranje Zwart, the host club, after a 1-1 draw in normal time in the final of the European Cup-Winners' Cup. For the Berkshire club it was their third silver medal in four appearances.

Reading started in confident mood, forcing two early penalty corners as they took the game to the Dutch before taking the lead in the 21st minute, Robert Todd scoring at a splendidly rehearsed penalty corner. Yet Reading's composure and discipline fell apart after the interval with Robbie Reckers scoring the equaliser in the 51st minute with Reading reduced to 10 men after the temporary suspension of Manpreet Kochar.

The Dutch took control as Ben Barnes was sent to the sin-bin for hitting the ball following a free-hit award. Reading hung on, only to lose the shoot-out.