Hockey: Crutchley puts England in semi-final
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BOBBY CRUTCHLEY extended his remarkable run of goalscoring by finding the net five times in England's 10-5 win against Russia in their opening game in the European Indoor Nations Cup here yesterday. He was again on target in the opening minute of the second game when England beat the Czech Republic 9-6. England's two victories have assured themselves of a semi- final place.
After the captain Jason Laslett hit a post after 25 seconds Crutchley put England ahead of Russia in the 46th second from their first corner. Phil McGuire scored the first of his three goals a minute later with Crutchley completing his hat-trick, converting two precision passes from Laslett
inside the opening five minutes. Goals from Julian Halls and Nick Thompson and Crutchley's fifth completed the scoring.
Against the Czech Republic, after Crutchley's starter a McGuire hat- trick put England 4-1 ahead only to be pegged back with some sloppy defensive play. The temporary absence of Halls with a facial injury allowed the Czechs to take a grip of the game and go into a 6-4 lead before, with the return of Halls, a late rally, including two goals from Laslett, saw England home.
Germany, the defending champions, earned a 6-2 victory against Austria in the opening game with Andreas Becker giving them the lead in the 16th second. Inside 12 minutes they had extended their lead to six. In their second game the Germans romped to a 10-1 win against France.
Results, Sporting Digest, page 25
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments