Mixed feelings for Williamson following championships
Published: 00:00, 14 December 2007
TEENAGE roller hockey keeper Jamie Williamson had mixed emotions after his 10-day trip to the World Junior Championships in Chile.
The 17-year-old from Sturry was England’s first choice between the posts for the 16-nation under-21 tournament but the side ultimately had to settle for a 13th placed finish.
England were given a tough draw, being pitted against powerhouses Portugal and Chile as well as minnows Ecuador in the group stages.
Williamson played well in the opening game against the hosts in front of 3,000 partisan home fans but couldn’t prevent an 8-0 defeat.
Despite his best efforts, he went on to concede 12 against Portugal with England failing to reply.
They did, however, hit the scoring trail in style as they won 25-0 against the Ecuador.
Williamson was rested and his understudy had little to do against the tournament whipping-boys.
England’s third-placed finish meant they could finish no higher than ninth and they lost their next game 6-3 against a strong Brazil team.
They hit form to defeat Australia 13-2 and finished with a win against South Africa in the play-off to decide 13th and 14th place with the winning goal in the 4-3 victory coming just 30 seconds from time.
Williamson said: "We played well and I did all right but some of the countries we were playing are professionals who can skate better than they can walk."
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KentOnline reporter