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Terry Howlett

TERRY Howlett admitted having mixed feelings after his latest conquests with England.

The Dovercourt shop owner, who plays his club hockey for Colchester, was part of the over-60s team that won a silver medal at the European Grand Masters in Barcelona.

England missed out on gold after going down 1-0 to Holland, having won earlier matches against Scotland, Wales, Italy and Germany.

And Howlett, 65, told the Gazette: "I had mixed feelings afterwards.

"Winning a silver medal was fine but we'd obviously been hoping for gold and were confident of achieving it, having previously won the competition in Rotterdam, Italy and Canterbury.

"Therefore, it was a bit of a step down for us and I know the other players felt the same.

"We felt well-prepared and were fitter than the Dutch side.

"We also had a greater share of the game and lots of possession but, unlike them, just couldn't score an all-important goal."

Howlett admitted playing five matches during the three-day tournament was a tough schedule.

regime But, after many practice matches and having had a heavy training regime, England proved the best-prepared squad on show.

"We had 80 per cent of the play against Holland and won ten penalty corners, but the match was settled by just one mistake from our keeper, when the ball was volleyed home from the edge of the circle," said Howlett.

"It just wasn't to be and I suppose it says a lot about our high standards in recent years that we're disappointed with a silver medal.

"Sport is all about being motivated and setting your sights high - in other words winning.

"I hate it when I hear people saying they're happy to have just reached a final or won a bronze medal.

"There's one thing we're all aiming for and that's victory. No-one remembers who finishes second."

Howlett, who played left defence and was in the starting line-up for four of the matches, was happy with his own performance in Barcelona.

And he hopes it proves enough to persuade selectors to include him in their team for the World Cup, being held in Hong Kong in mid-September.

"I feel I had a solid tournament and, like the other players, I'm awaiting the selection with eager anticipation," he said.

"I feel reasonably confident. I did all that was asked of me and I certainly feel I'm in with a shout."

8:43am Thursday 27th March 2008

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