Dutch inflict humiliation on England

Hockey

England suffered their worst-ever defeat at the hands of the Dutch Olympic champions in Karachi yesterday when they were beaten 6-0 in their third game in the Golden Jubilee Tournament, writes Bill Colwill.

England held their own in the opening exchanges, but it was again a tale of missed opportunities at three early penalty corners before the Dutch opened the scoring. Once the Dutch had taken the lead in the 27th minute through Bram Lomans at a penalty corner, England were always fighting an uphill battle.

The second half was just three minutes old when the Dutch went further ahead when Marten Eikelboom scooped the ball into the net. A minute later, when Bobby Crutchley was blocked by Danny Bree, England were awarded a penalty stroke, but Russell Garcia put his shot against the upright.

This blow was followed by the temporary suspension of Hounslow's Guy Fordham, and then goals from Broek West and Stephan Veen.

By now the Dutch were rampant and West and Veen both scored a second each. England play Australia in their final pool game today.

ENGLAND: J Lewis (Havant); J Wallis (Teddington), A Humphrey (Cannock), B Waugh (Southgate), B Garrard (Guildford), G Fordham (Hounslow); B Sharpe (Cannock), J Pidcock (Cannock), R Garcia (HDM, capt); B Crutchley (Cannock), M Pearn (Reading). Substitutes used: N Conway (Teddington), D Hall (Guildford), J Lee (Old Loughtonians), S Head (East Grinstead).

NETHERLANDS: R Jansen; E Jazet, D Bree; S van de Weide, D Loots, S Heeswijk; J Delmee, S Veen (capt); T van Meer, B Weme, J Buma. Substitutes used: M Eikelboom, B Lomans, T Meer, B West.

Umpires: D Prior (Aus), Rashid Khan (Pak).