Women’s o40s Masters Finish on Top

After losing 0-1 to Australia the day before, Scotland came back fighting and beat England 1–0 in the final to win the European Masters in Belfast.

Having played Australia on Friday the Scottish Select Over 40s team, just failed to complete a trio of victories in the pool stage. From start to finish it was a battle between these two determined teams. Australia had the lead in both territory and possession but the Scottish team made them fight for every ball.

The Australians dominated the midfield, allowing the Scots to bring the ball from defence before turning it over and attacking in force. They were a highly skilled, well drilled team who passed accurately at speed. Time and time again the Scots denied them shots at goal and broke down the attack in the twenty five. Just three minutes to half-time Australia got a penalty corner and managed to slot the ball home from a scramble in front of goal.

The second half was played in the same vein although Scotland managed to secure two penalty corners but could not score that elusive equaliser.  It was a hard fought contest with Australia displaying great skills and teamwork, playing together as a well-oiled, highly competent machine. The Scottish team, stuck to first principles and remained compact, committed and working for each other.

Despite the loss to Australia, the Scots went into the final as top qualifiers against an English side who were eager to avenge their recent defeat. Having beaten them just 48 hours earlier in a closely fought match both teams were obviously feeling the effect of three games in three days but their desire to win was clear from the start.

England pressed forward from midfield but were held by a focussed Scotland playing a 4:4:2.  Sue Mitchell (GK), working hard with her defence to block any shots at goal, was lucky when a couple of balls drifted across an open goal were not picked up.  England did get the ball in the net but had to be content with a penalty corner for a foot by Maggie Conacher.  With ten minutes to the break, the hamstring injury sustained against the Aussies forced Marge Taylor off for treatment and was replaced by Sandra Pattison.

The second half continued with England having the territorial advantage but they were becoming increasingly frustrated.  Scotland’s luck continued to hold when Lisa Prince netted two penalty corners but hit each too high.  The Scottish pairs of Norma Brownie with Gail Nelson and Rosie McColgan with Netty Horne continued to work relentlessly, substituting in five minute slots, to press the English defence and were increasingly getting more of the play.  Having soaked up a lot of pressure Scotland began to gain possession and their efforts were rewarded in the 63rd minute with a penalty corner.  Lizzie Sturrock struck the ball well, Sharon Duncan was there for the deflection and the ball was in the back of the net off the keeper. The last seven minutes were ours as England offered no real threat and Scotland were crowned European Open Champions 2013 through a tremendous display of teamwork, commitment and effort throughout the tournament.

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