Commonwealth Games: Cullen to the rescue

England 1 South Africa 1

SCOTLAND TOOK the honours in the women's hockey tournament of the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur yesterday to remain on course for a semi-final burst. England are also still in a good position to qualify even though they were held to a draw by the strong, fast-running South Africans.

Wales also claimed a very satisfactory draw against Canada but have only the remotest hopes of a semi-final spot.

England completely dominated their match against South Africa. Each half they started off exerting terrific pressure with a penalty corner awarded within 20 seconds. Despite three more corners in the first six minutes England failed to score.

Against the run of play, South Africa won their first penalty corner and a quick switch to Lindsey Carlisle brought her the first goal.

Tina Cullen, who was close in to the goalmouth, got the equaliser with just seven minutes to go.

Slough's Sue MacDonald scored twice as Scotland, in the other pool, recovered from conceding a fourth-minute goal to beat Jamaica 5-1 in their second game, having lost their first 6-0 to Australia who are expected to win the competition.

Wales who had their game on Thursday against Canada postponed because more than half their squad were down with food poisoning, yesterday gave a courageous display to hold Canada to a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Caroline Jones and Rachel Thomas.

In the only game in the men's competition with British interest Wales were beaten 4-0 by New Zealand.