Hockey: Cannock throw away advantage

With Malaysia's late withdrawal from the international tournament English interest on the second day of the King's tournament here yesterday was limited to the club event.

A depleted Cannock side, with four players in the national squad, were initially too good for Pinoke, the Dutch Premier League side.

After a quiet start Cannock scored through a 15th minute goal from Phil Sully. Two minutes later Simon Organ put Cannock further ahead from the penalty spot after Andrew Brogden had been unceremoniously brought down. Matt Taylor then guided the English side into a 3-0 lead with a well-taken shot from the edge of the circle.

Pinoke's only threat came late in the half from a penalty corner which goalkeeper Jimi Lewis dealt with competently. Although the Dutch pulled a goal back early in the second half Cannock were still coasting to a comfortable win until two costly errors in the final two minutes allowed the Dutch to secure a 3-3 draw.

In the schools' competition, the young Canford side beat Kent College 4-1.

In the international tournament Spain, England's opponents this afternoon, beat Poland 4-1. With little between the sides Spain took their chances with Xavier Ribas scoring a spectacular reverse stick shot into the roof of the net from the edge of the circle.

Juan Escarre, who last season played for Old Loughtonians in the English national league, completed the scoring for Spain.