An amazing thing happened today in Birmingham...

With the Commonwealth Games in full swing we are well and truly into the business end of the competitions.  Something magical took place today at University of Birmingham's Hockey site.  Click through to read more... 

CONGRATULATIONS East Grinstead Trio Tess Howard, Ellie Rayer and Laura Unsworth, on any incredible FIRST COMMONWEALTH GOLD hockey medal for England in the Women's Hockey.

For those not glued to their TV following the hockey action, the last 48  hours have been a roller-coaster for England Hockey.  Friday saw England Women defeat New Zealand on "penalty shuffles" 2:0 after sides could not be separated in normal time.  Saturday saw England Men attempt to valiantly defy the odds and defeat Australia men (un-beaten since 1998 in Commonwealths), eventually succumbing to a 2:3 defeat.

All eyes then were on the England Ladies today to exact retribution on Australia and secure a first English Commonwealth Hockey Gold, Australia having won 5 of the past 6 Games.

What an incredible performance we were treated to, with England taking the game to Australia from the start.  During the second Quarter, East Grinstead's Laura Unsworth played the ball out to right wing' Flora Peel from where a cross came back to the top of the circle for Birmingham University Graduate Holly Hunt to control and then blast into the bottom right corner.

Not long afterwards, EG's Tess Howard managed to skilfully defect another Flora Peel hit, this time from the left, into the roof of the net.

England were 2:0 up before half time and it took Australia until the last minute to capture a consolation goal with 25 seconds remaining.

Congratulations EG's Golden Girls and to the entire squad !  Everso proud !  Incredible teamwork from all involved.