England captain David Ames had mixed emotions after their EuroHockey Championship final loss to the Netherlands in Germany.
Appearing in their first final for 14 years, England pushed their Dutch rivals all the way before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat, after a late effort was ruled out.
A penalty stroke was awarded instead, after a referral by their opponents, and Nick Bandurak saw two attempts saved – after England also called for a video referral.
“Very tough way to end the competition. Finals come down to small margins,” said Ames.
“I think we had a little bit of a moment of chaos with the video referral. I’m not sure we played as well as we could have in the first half but played pretty well in the second half and I think we deserved to get back into the game.
“I’m very proud to win a silver medal. Everyone wants gold, and we fought long and hard for a long time to be able to get through the semi-finals and to be on the stage pretty special.
“Now we just have to make sure we’re backing it a few more times and cross the line.
“We came in the tournament really well, having done a lot of prep, started obviously very well and just got better and better.
“When we sit down in a few weeks, we will be very happy and pleased that we have got to the final for the first time in 14 years.”
Derck De Vilder put the Dutch ahead on nine minutes, with Duco Telgenkamp doubling the advantage in the third quarter – which was delayed by a thunderstorm.
Sam Ward replied for England on 47 minutes and with the Netherlands down to 10 men, England took off their goalkeeper to put an extra outfield player.
The Dutch had a clear-cut opening with an empty goal, but Brendon Creed’s diving save denied them and England thought they had equalised, but the goal was disallowed and a penalty stroke awarded on a video referral by the Dutch.
Bandurak’s shot was saved, but the stroke was rewarded on a video referral by England. However, they couldn’t capitalise on it as Bandurak’s second attempt was also defended by the Dutch goalie.
In the dying minutes, England had a series of penalty corners, but couldn’t take advantage and had to settle for silver.
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