Elizabeth Neal’s early goal proved decisive as England secured the victory needed to stave off relegation.
England’s Women’s hockey team successfully avoided relegation from the Pro League, clinching a crucial win against Germany during the final weekend of the season.
Neal’s goal in the sixth minute, coupled with a pivotal penalty stroke save by Sabbie Heesh with just 100 seconds remaining, secured the victory in Berlin on Saturday. The result ensured England’s definitive finish above India in the nine-team table.
Despite Germany’s 4-2 win in the second match on Sunday, which guaranteed their own survival, India faced relegation, leaving England to conclude the campaign in seventh place.
England’s men’s team, having already secured their position, also concluded the season in seventh place after suffering defeats in both games against Belgium.
They faced a 3-1 defeat in the first game on Saturday in Antwerp, with Jacob Payton scoring England’s sole goal.
Sunday’s match proved to be a tightly contested affair, culminating in a thrilling 4-4 draw with goals from Zachary Wallace, Phil Roper, Will Calnan, and Liam Sanford.
However, in the ensuing penalty shootout, misses from Wallace, Roper, and Stuart Rushmere led to a 3-0 victory for the hosts.
The Netherlands had previously secured the top position in both the men’s and women’s competitions ahead of the final round of matches.