Hockey: Annan inspires Australia

Alyson Annan, so often the scourge of British sides, gave Australia a 1-0 victory in the first of England's two Tests in Perth yesterday. Annan struck a 61st-minute goal, following up a Julie Towers strike which had been well saved by Hilary Rose.

England's performance against the World and Olympic champions, with Kerry Moore winning her first senior cap, was commendable - but their second- half fightback was not helped by the temporary suspension of Kirsty Bowden.

A pleased coach, Maggie Souyave, commented: "Kerry produced an outstanding debut against world-class opposition and Karen Brown stood out throughout the match and produced a solid performance at the back." The teams meet again today.

ENGLAND: H Rose (Univ of Massachusetts); K Brown (Slough); J Empson (Canterbury), M Clewlow (Canterbury); J Mould (Leicester), L Wright (Olton), K Bowden (Leicester), J Bimson (Loughborough Students), P Miller (Leicester), T Cullen (Hightown), J Smith (Slough). Substitutes used: F Greenham (Olton), K Moore (Olton), S Blanks (Leicester).

- Bill Colwill