Hockey

It was ecstasy for the women’s team who took home the title for the first time in history. 

After coming through the group stages unbeaten they faced New Zealand in the semi-finals. When the clock struck 60 minutes, neither team had managed to get on the scoresheet, and it was into the dreaded penalties. 

With the best goalie in the world, Maddie ‘The Wall’ Hinch New Zealand failed to get past her, and England reached the final having won the shoot-out 2-0.

In the final, they faced the old foe, Australia and came storming out of the traps to take a 2-0 lead in the first half. They kept the Aussies at bay and, although the team in green and gold managed a last grasp goal, it wasn’t enough to stop the home team who were roared to gold by a sold-out crowd in the Birmingham sunshine.

For the men’s side, having gone 2-0 up, they were unable to hold of an incredible fight back from the Australian Hockeyroos and were defeated 3-2. 

They then faced South Africa in the bronze medal match on the final day of action. A high-scoring game saw the home side roared to victory winning 6-3. 

A notable mention goes to Brendan Creed who was injured during the tournament but remained as England’s biggest supporter cheering on his teammates and remaining a huge part of the squad effort. Phil Roper also came away with an incredible eight goals from the tournament.