THERE was relief and joy for Bromsgrove's Dan Fox as England ended their hoodoo at a major tournament to win bronze at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The national side saw off New Zealand on 4-2 penalties on Sunday at the Glasgow National Hockey Venue after battling out a pulsating 3-3 draw.

The silverware came was a huge boost for the team, which had recently finished fourth at the World Cup, while the Great Britain team, which would have featured most of the England squad, came fourth at the 2012 Olympics.

Former Callowbrook First School pupil Fox featured in all of the national side's games in Scotland.

Mother Carolyn, who along with husband Richard still live in Marlbrook, said: "I have never seen Dan so relieved and happy.

"It was definitely a mixture of the two feelings for him and the rest of the team but it was a wonderful effort."

England had started their pool matches impressively, beating Trinidad and Tobaga 6-1 and Malaysia 8-1.

But they suffered a setback when they were beaten 2-1 by the Kiwis.

That meant they had to defeat Canada to make the semi-finals, which they did 3-1.

However, they met World Cup champions and dominant force Australia in the last four and despite a valiant effort, they lost 4-1.

But England bounced back in a thrilling match against New Zealand in the bronze medal decider.

After battling out a 3-3 draw, England were able to turn around the result of four years ago and beat New Zealand with a penalty stroke from Ashley Jackson, taking home the bronze and their men's first Commonwealth Games medal in 16 years.

Fox will take a break before preparations for the Champions Trophy in India begins later in the year.

Next year, England host the European Championships.

Meanwhile, Cofton Hackett wheelchair racer Lauren Rowles, 16, achieved her aim in Glasgow by reaching the final of the T54 1,500 metres at Hampden Park.

The teenager finished fifth in her heat but was one of the fastest losers and booked her place in the final.

In a very strong field, Rowles finished ninth in four minutes and 11.34s despite carrying an injury.