England’s women continue their qualification campaign for the 2013 Joola European Championships with another tricky tie – this time in St. Petersburg against the Russian girls.

Taking place on Tuesday 20th November, it’s a long trip for the English women who have already been to Germany on this campaign while they still face a trip to the Czech Republic.

England regulars Joanna Parker and Kelly Sibley will this time be joined by Hannah Hicks in Eastern Europe as the girls continue to battle against the odds in the Championship Division.

Russia will provide stiff opposition despite their 3-1 defeat to Romania earlier in the campaign. They recovered from that loss with a competent 3-0 victory over Spain in round two and will hope for nothing less in this third round fixture.

With Anna Tikhomirova (55), Yana Noskova (108) and Polina Mikhailova (117) in their ranks they are clear favourites for the win in St. Petersburg but Kelly Sibley will have fond memories of playing Tikhomirova in Poland in 2011 where she beat the Russian 4-3 despite trailing 9-3 in the seventh game.

Remember, while the women face Russia in St. Petersburg, England’s men will face the Dutch team in Portsmouth and tickets are still being sold right up until the fixture on Tuesday 20th November. While Paul Drinkhall, Liam Pitchford and Daniel Reed confirmed for the match, don’t miss out at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre.

The Netherlands have also selected their line-up with Koen Hageraats, Rajko Gommers, Casper Ter Luun and Ewout Oostwouder coming to England. Don’t forget to use the twitter hashtag #pompeytt to have your say on the fixture.

England Women’s Squad vs Russia (St. Petersburg, 20/11/12)
Joanna Parker
Kelly Sibley
Hannah Hicks

Coach: Alan Cooke