Hockey: Britain held after wasting opportunities

Sue Slocombe, Britain's coach, expressed her relief at taking a point in the 1-1 draw with Canada in their opening game in the Olympic qualifying tournament here in Cape Town yesterday, writes Bill Colwill. However, Slocombe was also disappointed with the defence conceded a goal in the 24th minute after Britain dominated the opening exchanges.

Tammy Miller, Britain's outstanding player, powered her way through the Canadian defence, but failed with a timid shot at goal when she should have given Britain an early lead. Then, at the other end, Veronica Planella's cross found its way through to Joe Thompson, the goalkeeper only pushing the ball to Tammy Holt for the opening goal. Within five minutes Britain were on terms. Jane Sixsmith twisted and weaved her way forward into the circle to find Pauline Robertson for the equaliser.

Britain then dominated but missed eight penalty corners and lacked the imagination to break down a well organised opponent, who at times withdrew all 11 players into their circle.

GREAT BRITAIN: J Thompson (Ipswich); S Fraser (Grove), K Brown (Slough), J Atkins (capt, Bradford Swithenbank), L Cope (Balsam Leicester); M Davies (Sutton Canada Life), P Robertson (Edinburgh), T Miller (Clifton); J Sixsmith (Sutton Canada Life), S McDonald (Glasgow Western), A Bennett (Slough). Substitutes used: M Nicholls (Slough), R Simpson (Edinburgh), C Cook (Hightown), D Renilson (Edinburgh).

CANADA: D Whitten; L Kopeck, capt; T Croxford, S Davies, N Colaco, L Faust, A MacFarlane, S Reid; V Planella, G Sewell, T Holt. Substitutes used: C Hunter, C Somerville and K MacNeill.