Both English teams have been able to retain der title to established as the leading force in Europe (photo: Jordan Mansfield) England successfully retained their titles in the European Team Championships after a 3/0 men's victory over France and a 2/1 women's win over Ireland in in Nürnberg, Germany.
In the women's final Belfast's Madeline Perry, ranked 3 in the world, fought back from 2/1 down to beat world No2 Jenny Duncalf 13-11, 7-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-8. But Laura Massaro steered the England ship back on course by beating Aisling Blake 11-1, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, before Alison Waters clinched victory by defeating Laura Mylotte 11-2, 11-8, 11-2.
Top seeds England lined up against cross Channel rivals France in the men's final for the 12th time since 2000. Experienced 4th string Daryl Selby gave his team the best start with an 11-3, 11-13, 11-9, 11-9 win over Frenchman Gregoire Marche.
In the 2nd match James Willstrop beat world No3 Greg Gaultier 11-3, 8-11, 11-6, 11-1 to give England a 2/0 lead and Peter Barker then clinched the title after a 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 win over Mathieu Castagnet.
The victory marks England's 20th success in a row – and the 37th in total since the inaugural championships in 1976.
