Britain take Dutch courage from defeat

Ellen Kuipers, taking advantage of confusion in the Great Britain defence, scored after 17 minutes to give the Dutch a 1-0 win in the opening game in the women's Champions Trophy in Berlin yesterday, but it was an encouraging performance by the young England side who are representing Britain.

Karen Brown and Jane Sixsmith might have given Britain the lead a minute before the decisive goal. Brown raced 60 yards out of defence to send a cracking shot goalwards from Sixsmith's precision free hit to earn a penalty corner. As the corner broke down the Dutch counter-attacked for their goal.

England's men were given a lesson in finishing by a young German side in Duisburg on Saturday when they were beaten 5-1. After a bright start, England faded as the Germans exposed their lack of speed in defence and took advantage of some below-par passing.

Germany built up a 4-0 lead before Jason Lee scored England's consolation.