Hockey: Holland claim Under-21 bronze

Twenty-year-old Bram Lomans, who scored Holland's third goal in the Atlanta Olympic final, set his Under-21 team on course for a 4-1 win against England in Vught yesterday with two well-taken first-half goals, writes Brian Tatlock. The win gave Holland the bronze medal in the Volvo Masters Four Nations Under-21 tournament. England more than held their own in the opening exchanges, but were unable to keep in touch as the Dutch increased the pressure, taking the lead in the 12th minute through Timme Hoyng, who managed to appear at the near post totally unmarked. With Lomans striking twice before the interval, the Dutch were always in control of the encounter.

England regrouped at the break and, with Brett Garrard and Manpreet Kochar combining well in midfield, they looked to be edging their way back into the game and reduced the lead through Stuart Humphries, who followed up at a well-taken Jon Evennett penalty corner in the 48th minute. The Dutch again took control, however, and only robust defending prevented further Dutch goals until the 61st minute, when Jochem Haverman slipped in for their fourth.

In the women's tournament, Germany took the bronze medal with a 3-0 win against South Africa yesterday. England will play Holland in the final.