England’s women failed in their attempt to get to the 2008 World Championships when they were defeated by 2 games to 0 by the Czech Republic. The first game was the third they had played in one day following the emotional highs of defeating Norway and the Netherlands to win the gold medal and they started off as they had finished by taking a 6-2 lead early on. However the Czechs rallied and won the game 9-7. Less than 12 hours later they were back on the ice for their 4th game in 24 hours and this time the Czechs were too strong and won by 11-6.

It is notable that the women achieved their success with minimal finacial help - the ECA has provided the team with some cash but insufficient to enable them to fund many of the extras now needed to get to the top in the sport - qualified coaches, trips to foreign competitions and extra training weekends. Three of the team live in the Northumberland area, but one lives in Brighton and the alternate lives in Glasgow and so it can be difficult and expensive to get together for those vital team practices.

Anybody reading this who feels that they could help should get in touch through the Contacts page with the ECA secretary.