Surbiton Ladies captain Sarah Haycroft talks to the Surrey Comet about life after England's Eurohockey championship triumph over Holland in August.

"I missed out on selection to the just-gone European Hockey Championships on home soil and so had to sit there watching , biting my nails, from the sidelines.

"It was hell not being there on the pitch, but it was wonderful seeing them beat the Olympic and world champions, the Netherlands, to claim the first gold medal an English or British women's team have won in 24 years.

"It is safe to say that this is a historic moment for women's hockey in this countryand fantastic timing just one year away from the Rio Olympics.

"The girls went 2-0 down just after half time and everyone watching knew it would be an almost impossible task to turn the score line around.

"However, it was the sheer belief within the squad and knowledge that we had put in the gruelling training for moments like these.

"The girls levelled the score through 2 short corners and the game was sent into a shoot out.

"I know the Brits don’t have a terrific reputation in penalty shootouts, but this hockey team is different.

"The girls had done so much preparation, none more so than goalie Maddie Hinch, who was the hero of the shoot outs, saving all but one of the penalties.

"The delight, joy and how much it meant to all players and staff was very clear to see.

"Being a member of the team that won the silver medal at the last European Championship, losing the final on penalties to the Germans, I felt the heartache and devastation of losing in such a cruel way.

"This time the tables had turned and I was so proud of the girls. This gold medal is also a statement to the rest of the world that we can compete with the best of the best and come out victorious.

"Of course, eyes are now firmly set on preparing for the Rio Olympics and the count down has already begun. 

"All of the girls who were back at our base Bisham Abbey, training hard, are delighted for the team but equally desperate to earn a place in the squad for the forthcoming tournaments and ultimately the Olympic squad.

"It is a strange dynamic, but one that just comes with the territory of elite sport.

"We love our team mates, but equally want to out do them for a place in the team. We build team cohesion yet compete directly for places.

"However, having healthy competition and such strength in depth as a squad, only makes us stronger as a nation, and helps the tournament team win medals.

"September however provides us with time away from Bisham, of course still training hard with running and gym programmes.

"It also sees the resumption of the Investec Women's Premier League and therefore allows me to concentrate on club hockey and remember where it all began.

"I love playing for Surbiton and find it a welcome distraction from some of the stresses of the International game.

"As reigning and undefeated champions, the pressure is on us, but we love that challenge and have many players within our team who play better under pressure.

"Three of the gold medal winning team play at Surbiton and bring their wealth of experience and talents to the strong depth of our squad, and help to encourage and develop our youngsters to ensure continued success.

"We have qualified for Europe for the second time and truly believe that we can compete with the best in Europe, so would love to improve on last years performance and really challenge for the European title."