Disappointing day for English sides in Euro Hockey League

A JONTY Clarke strike was not enough to stop Reading crashing out of the Euro Hockey League as the English clubs enjoyed a torrid day in Rotterdam.

EUROPEAN DISAPPOINTMENT: Jonty Clarke's solitary strike was not enough to keep Reading in the Euro Hockey League in Rotterdam (Ady Kerry)

Reading, who finished the season top of the English Hockey League, lost a closely fought game to RC Polo Barcelona as their experienced internationals stamped their mark in Rotterdam.

Germany's Matthias Witthaus put the Spanish side ahead with a penalty stroke after 19 minutes before Spain's Pau Quemada doubled their lead on 48 minutes courtesy of a penalty corner.  

England international Clarke put Reading back in the match just five minutes later but the English side could not repeat their success of a year ago when they knocked Barcelona out of the competition at the same stage.

Meanwhile, East Grinstead twice gave away their lead as they were defeated by a resilient Amsterdam H&BC side 3-2.

South African star Gareth Carr had given Grinstead the lead from a penalty corner on ten minutes but Amsterdam's captain Taeke Taekema levelled the scores after 44 minutes.

Carr again put his side ahead with 48 minutes on the clock but seven minutes later Valentin Verga sent a flicked effort into the goal following an exchange of passes down the right to make it 2-2.

And the Dutch team turned the game on its head when just a minute late Don Prins fired home from close range after an impressive passing move through the Grinstead defence.

Beeston compounded a disappointing day for the English in Europe as they came unstuck against KHC Leuven in a 3-1 defeat.

Andrew Monte had put Beeston ahead on 28 minutes but goals from Juan Garreta, Patrice Houssein and Phelie Maguire put the Belgian team through to the quarter finals to be played on Sunday.