March 28, 2002

England Universities held to draw by Scotland Universities but win British Universities Championship

By Colin A. Aldis

England 0 Scotland 0

After a first day thrashing of 10-1 against Northern Ireland, the English Universities representative team struggled to find the net against their Welsh counter-parts despite creating a hat-full of chances. Finally a last gasp winner by Sally Lacey gave them six points at the end of day two.

The auld enemy from Scotland had lost 4-1 in their first match to Wales. So a point for England on the last day would be enough to win the British Championship for the 4th time in 5 years. Despite having much of the play and creating numerous chances the match ended scoreless, but enough to gain the tournament trophy and gold medals.

Wales were placed 2^nd. after a 5-0 win over Northern Ireland, who had to regroup after missing last year due to the restrictions caused by foot and mouth disease. Their 'star' striker, Cheryl Foster, was named player of the tournament. Three players shared the 'golden boot' award as top scorer, with 3 goals apiece.

Edinburgh will host the 2003 Games, but will be unlikely to match the weather which was warm and sunny, a rare event for this time of the year.

Plans are well advanced to start the Great Britain student team, but once again funding will be the major stumbling block for sending a squad to the 2003 World University Games in South Korea, scheduled for late August, which also impinges on the start of the domestic season.