Phil Roper says the euphoric moment when his England side clinched a Commonwealth Games bronze medal following a penalty shoot-out was one that will live with him forever.

After drawing with New Zealand 3-3 at the end of normal time in Glasgow last week in the bronze medal match, England emerged victorious over their Kiwi rivals, winning the shoot-out 4-2 to secure a podium finish.

Former Chester Hockey Club player Roper, from Hoole, played his part for the England side during the tournament, scoring twice in the group stages and started the bronze medal match against New Zealand.

For 22-year-old Roper, who was a late addition to the England squad, the opportunity to shine on the international stage in front of sellout crowds at the National Hockey Centre in Scotland’s second city will be remembered as an ‘absolutely incredible experience’.

“It was one of the most agonising experiences of my life when we were all waiting on that halfway line during the penalty shoot-out,” said Roper.

“We were all just praying that we would win, and when that winning penalty went in it was just an unbelievable feeling. It was amazing.

“The whole thing has been an absolutely incredible experience to be honest. It’s been unbelievable to be part of the whole thing.

“The atmosphere in the athletes village has been electric and it’s been great to mix with all the athletes in the other sports. And the reception we have received from the fans, even though we are representing England, has been unreal.

"They’ve really got behind the home nations and made it an experience to remember.It just caps it all off that I have been able to come away with a bronze medal from it and to have played my part.”