The newly resurfaced University of Birmingham became the third venue with AstroTurf to host England International hockey this summer as England’s Men hosted a three match series against India. England won the first game 3-1 in the torrential rain, before India levelled the series coming back from a two goal deficit to win the second game 4-3. In the final match it was England’s turn to recover from being two goals down early in the game to win the game 3-2 and the series 2-1.
The University of Birmingham chose McArdle Sport-Tec Ltd to resurface both of their water based pitches with AstroTurf Europa.
This follows a two match series for England’s Men against Australia and a two match series against Spain for the Ladies at Highfields Sports Centre (AstroTurf Europa) and a one off game against reigning European Champions Holland at Bisham Abbey (AstroTurf System 5) where England’s Men claimed a 3-2 victory.
It was also a successful domestic season for clubs with AstroTurf as East Grinstead Hockey Club (AstroGrass NSF) won their first league title, with Reading Hockey Club (AstroTurf System 5) finishing second and Beeston Hockey Club, who play at Highfields, finished third with all three teams qualifying for next seasons Euro Hockey League.