Steep learning curve for England U16 girls
19th April 2014England under 16 girls put in a much-improved second-half performance against the Netherlands in what was their first experience of international hockey, but still went down to a 9-0 defeat.
The Netherlands team ran out winners thanks largely to a strong first half display that saw them go into the break 6-0 up.
But the England girls adapted to their top quality opposition and looked much more competitive after the restart.
Head coach Marc Bourhill said: “This was a very strong Dutch team that we played today and I don’t think the girls realised just how strong they were until they were out there.
“But there are a lot of positives we can take from the game – they looked much better in the second half and they will have learned a lot.
“This is a first taste of international hockey for nearly all the team and it’s a very steep learning curve but we play the Dutch team again tomorrow and on Monday so hopefully they can use some their experience in those games.”