Hockey: Laboured draw disrupts England's plan

England's hopes of winning their Pool and thereby missing Australia in the semi-finals took a knock yesterday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by India in their final Pool game. A disappointed England coach, Tricia Heberle, admitted: "We struggled in the heat and were unable to beat India at the 'run and gun' game."

After a hesitant start, the tricky, speedy Indians opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Bala Saini's fierce penalty corner drive was deflected over an English stick past Hilary Rose.

Within a minute only a fine save from Rose prevented Priam Siwach putting India further ahead, before England equalised a couple of minutes later. Mel Clewlow's penalty corner shot, blocked by the Indian goalkeeper, was retrieved by Jo Ellis to provide the equaliser for Jennie Bimson.

England pressed hard after the interval without being able to penetrate the Indian defence.

Earlier in the day Australia, with an 18-0 thrashing of Malaysia, were the first team to secure a semi-final place. South Africa, who overcame a resilient Scotland 4-1, secured second place with both teams going through to a ricochet for the second semi-final berth.

After leading 1-0 at the interval, thanks to a ninth-minute goal from Rhona Simpson, Scotland were blitzed early in the second half by the South Africans, who scored three goals inside three minutes. Johke Koornof drew first blood, followed 17 seconds later by Pietie Coetzee, with Sophie Mayer claiming the third. Jennifer Wilson then beat Scotland's goalkeeper, Tracey Robb, from a narrow angle for the fourth.