The Tri-Nations event, staged at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, gave England the ideal run-out as Manager Graham Keeley made last-minute preparations with his squad before the names of his final 10 players are announced for the World Championship.

England opened the tournament with a 5-2 win over the Republic of Ireland, with goals from captain Steve Daley, Kevin McCarthy, Colin McCall, Wayne Perry and George Ferguson. Eire’s Ciaran Treacy scored a goal in each half to keep his team in the game.

England’s next match saw a resounding 6-1 victory over the Home Nations which ensured qualification for the Final. Steve Daley and Wayne Perry were once again on the scoresheet with two goals apiece whilst Chris McCormack and an own goal by Kurt Butler completed the scoring. Karl Whooley scored a consolation goal for the Home Nations.

The third and final group game became a sudden death play-off for the right to meet England in the Final. The Republic of Ireland opened the scoring through Roland Kennedy five minutes into the game before three quick goals from Kurt Butler (2) and Steve Turbitt gave the Home Nations a 3-1 half-time lead. Eire hit back after the break with another Roland Kennedy goal to make the score 3-2, before Steve Turbitt killed off the game with a goal just two minutes from the final whistle to give the Home Nations team a surprise victory - and a second chance to try and beat the hosts.

The Final produced a low-key first half with England taking a two-goal lead through Carl Harrison & Steve Beavers. The Home Nations hit back after the break and were unlucky not to convert several goalscoring opportunities. Steve Daley added to England’s tally before a Kurt Butler goal and another period of intense pressure from the Home Nations tested the England defence to the full. The final whistle brought relief to the England players who brought the curtain down on the Tri- Nations event and an unbeaten weekend.

Steve Daley accepted the trophy from Manchester FA Chairman, Frank Hannah, on behalf of a jubilant England squad and said: "Credit must go to the Home Nations team who played very well in the Final. We were tested but in the end we converted our opportunities into goals and this will give our players a big confidence boost ahead of December".

England Manager Graham Keeley said: "The whole weekend was exceptionally well organised and was a great experience for the team. The event provided us with the opportunity of playing in a tournament situation and enabled us to fine-tune our play as we approach the World Championship".

Tournament Director Jon Dutton said: "We are delighted with the way the weekend went. From our perspective this was a dress rehearsal for the main event and every one of the volunteers and support staff ensured that the teams were well looked after and given a flavour of what the World Championship will be like. The standard of football was exceptional and we would urge the public of Manchester to come and watch the world’s best partially sighted players in action in December’.