LAURA Massaro held her nerve to help England retain the European Team Championships title in Germany.

England were hot favourites going in to the final against Ireland in Nuremburg but when Madelaine Perry upset number one Jenny Duncalf, Massaro was suddenly in a ‘must win’ match with Aisling Blake.

But the world number four from Chorley came out on top to win a tough four game match against the improving Irish number two, winning 11-1, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8.

She said: “It’s the first time we have played Ireland in the final and with Jenny losing to Madeline Perry, I had to go on and keep us in it.

“It’s such a hard thing to stay relaxed when you know it means everything to so many people.

“I tried to stay as calm as I could and I managed to come through 3-1 against Aisling who has improved over the last year.”

Victory was assured when Alison Waters beat Laura Mylotte 3-0 and England won the European crown for the 34th time.

Massaro, who lives in Hoghton, went in to the championship nursing an injury so sat out the opening pool victories over Germany, Wales and France.

She won her game against Frania Gillen-Buchert against Scotland then against Eva Brauckman as England beat France in the semi finals.

“I had a slight injury going in and so was rested early on,” said the former Albany High School pupil. “The injury improved as the event went on so I got a couple of matches in before we finally made it through to the final.”

Massaro is now preparing to take part in the returning British Open next week.