English women secure Olympic qualification with EuroHockey bronze

England women beat Spain 3-2 to win the bronze medal at the EuroHockey Nations Championships, in Manchester, England. The victory secured a place for the Great Britain team in the Beijing hockey competition.

A goal from Mel Clewlow and two from Crista Cullen (2006 Great Britain Hockey Player of the Year) gave England a 3-0 lead but they had to endure a nervy final 10 minutes as Spain mounted a comeback. Ester Termens and captain Silvia Munoz scored in the 61st and 67th minutes but were unable to get a third as England held on for the victory.

Unfortunately the men finished third in their preliminary group, behind Germany and Belgium, and failed to earn a place in Beijing. The men now have one last chance to qualify, by winning one of three six team qualification tournaments to be held in New Zealand, Japan and Chile.

The Women's final classification matches are on the 22nd August.