Hockey star among the world’s best

Hockey star Shona McCallin captained England under-21s to fourth place in the Junior World Hockey Championships in her last outing with the team in Monchengladbach, Germany.

After beating Australia in the quarter-finals, McCallin, 21, of Dry Doddington, and her team-mates were knocked out in the semi-finals by Argentina.

England went close to earning a historic first world cup medal after drawing 1-1 in regulation time with India in the bronze final, but lost 3-2 in the shoot-out.

McCallin, who used to play for Newark Hockey Club, tweeted: “Proud of these amazing under-21 girls. My tears have finally run out and it’s time to realise what an achievement it is to be fourth in the world.

“Sad to have played my last game for England at junior level yesterday. Six unforgettable years with some super special people.

“Gutted that the Junior World Cup is over. The highs, the lows, the memories and the togetherness of our special team will stay forever.”

A bronze medallist at the World Youth Olympics, McCallin scored in England’s 8-1 win over Belgium in the group stages, where her team knocked hosts Germany out of the competition.

She is in her third season with MOP Hockey Club in the Dutch Premier Division.