HELEN Richardson-Walsh netted in two successive games as England Women booked their place in the semi-finals of the Unibet Hockey Championships in London.

The Reading HC star was joined on the scoresheet by her partner, Kate, as England came from behind to beat Scotland 2-1 in their opening group game on last Saturday.

Helen also netted the first goal in the 2-0 win over Italy on Monday.

The midfielder broke the deadlock against the stubborn Italians after seeing fellow England and Reading team-mate Alex Danson miss a penalty stroke.

Another Reading player, Susie Gilbert, said: “It is exciting to be in the business end of a tournament.”
England, who met Germany in their final group game last night, play their semi-final tomorrow (Friday) evening, with the bronze medal match and final on Sunday afternoon.

​Reading’s Dan Shingles has helped the England men’s squad to reach the semi-finals, while club colleague John Jackson scored for Ireland as they drew 2-2 with ​Belgium on Tuesday to book their place in the​ last four for the first time ever.

​England play reigning champions Germany this evening, while Ireland take on ​the Netherlands.

​The men’s matches conclude at Lee Valley on Saturday with the final taking place at 4.30pm.

Internationals Leah Wilkinson and Sarah Jones are among the latest players to leave Reading.​

The Wales duo have been lured away by Investec League rivals Holcombe, a wealthy club able to offer financial rewards.

In addition to the Welsh girls, Reading have lost forward Becky Halle to Belgium club Waterloo Ducks​ while Poppy Martin has moved to Loughborough University and Francesca Feather has joined Hampstead & Westminster.

Like the women’s section, the Reading men’s squad have seen players leave Sonning Lane.

The latest are university students Peter Scott and Max Heaver, who have joined Conference West clubs Team Bath and Exeter respectively.

Former skipper Richard Springham has left for league rivals Hampstead & Westminster, but Olly Deasy has moved in the opposite direction.

​Reading are holding trials for all age groups during a two-day Open Weekend on September 5-6.