Witney teenager Takara Haines helped Great Britain Under 21s strike gold in dramatic fashion at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival, writes Russell Smith.

The 18-year-old was in the starting line-up for Britain’s remarkable 3-2 win over Australia in the final in Sydney, which came courtesy of a golden goal in extra time.

Haines, who plays for Southampton Trojans, admitted they went through the full gamut of emotions.

“It was just fantastic,” she said.

“It was really a mixture of feelings – highs and lows – it was really weird.

“It was more of a shock than anything. I knew we could do it, but didn’t think we could pull it off like that.”

With temperatures bordering 40°C, holders Great Britain had gone into the four-country festival as favourites.

And Haines came on as a substitute as they beat India 3-1 in their opening group game.

Dilly Newton scored from two penalty corners and Sophie Bray also netted.

The former Henry Box School pupil again came off the bench for Britain’s 4-1 win over USA.

Jenny Hall scored from two penalty corners, and Bray and Nicola White were also on target.

With two wins apiece, Great Britain and Australia were already guaranteed of a place in the final before their final group game, which the hosts won 4-2.

Haines was in the starting line-up, with Jenny Hall and Georgie Twigg grabbing Britain’s goals.

Haines, who helped England to glory in the European Championships in Edinburgh last year, is now looking forward to the Under 21 World Cup in Boston, USA, in July.

And in the long term, she has set her sights on the 2012 Olympics in London.

“That’s the big one,” she added.