Commonwealth Games: Hockey - Kenyans shot down by Sharpe

THE HEROICS of Cannock striker Ben Sharpe boosted England's chances of a place in the semi-final. England beat a determined Kenya side 3-1, with Sharpe scoring one goal and setting up another.

He was injured diving in at the far post in the first half - one of eight missed chances after penalty corners - but returned within a minute of half-time with his mouth stitched and immediately scored. England stretched the advantage to 2-0 after Russell Garcia won a penalty corner in the second half and converted himself.

Kenya pulled a goal back in the 64th minute through Simon Odera, but England added a third when Sharpe set up Jimmy Wallis.

England women's coach Maggie Souyave watched her team romp to an 8-0 victory over Namibia and then hit out at her side for failing to make the most of their chances.

Souyave admitted that some of her senior players had failed to perform. "We all knew how critical it was to convert as many chances as possible to match New Zealand's impressive 15-1 win against the inexperienced Namibians," Souyave said. "I hope it won't prove costly but it is nonetheless disappointing."