Jersey Hockey’s European champion!

Jersey Hockey’s European champion!

The Island player had a gold medal placed around her neck on the final day of the 2019 Masters European Cup in Rotterdam following decisive wins against Germany and the Netherlands. The tournament victory marks a first for England’s O40s in almost a decade.

Helmholt-Kneisel, who has claimed bronze at the same event in the past, said: ‘It was so nice to see the team come together and play some really good hockey.

‘Against the Dutch [4-1 win], my goodness, we played amazingly. It was seriously hot – when we went out onto the pitch it was 41 degrees – but we played great hockey … it was how it should be.

‘That took a bit out of us and against Germany we had tired legs. They had had a rest day and we didn’t play as well.

‘A few cards were given out which disrupted the game a bit and a penalty flick was given in the last five minutes. Luckily our ‘keeper saved it though and we won 1-0. I couldn’t believe it really, we got the gold medal … it was really good.’

She added: ‘I think I might be hanging up my stick for a while now. I haven’t decided but I’m not sure I’m going to do it [play internationally] next year. It’s a massive commitment.

‘I’ll keep playing in Jersey though, as long as they’ll have me.’

England’s final-round wins over the Netherlands and Germany followed first-round group-stage wins over Ireland and guests Ghana.

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