Clifford Dunn reports from Spain:
Manx Hockey player Sienna Dunn helped England win a bronze medal on Saturday at the U21 European Hockey Championships in Terrassa, Spain. After an intense week of matches and 5 months focused training it was just reward for the team.
After qualifying as runners up from their group the team played some of their best hockey in the first half against World Cup Holders, the Netherlands in their semi final. However, the Dutch team showed their class with 5 quick fire goals in the third quarter securing the game. This meant the England team would meet their old foes Germany who had beaten them 2-0 in the group match for the all or nothing bronze medal match.
Played at midday in over 30 degrees heat the game was a tight physical contest. England grew into the game and scored just before half time. Germany pushed hard for an equalizer but a dogged team performance got the team through to take the victory.
It was third time lucky for Dunn after losing the bronze match play off at the U18 Euros and U21 World Cup last year. Sienna now has a two week break before returning to I preseason.