Hockey: Clewlow hits opener

England's men and women made a good start in the Commonwealth Games test event in Manchester yesterday, with the women beating Ireland 2-1 and the men winning 5-2 against Scotland. While the coaches of both sides will have learnt much about their teams it is unlikely that the organisers will have found it as useful, with a number of facilities unfinished.

England's women were off to a splendid start with Mel Clewlow scoring at their third penalty corner in the fourth minute. Two minutes into the second half Leisa King put them further ahead following good work down the right by Anna Bennett and Jenny Bimson. Ireland's Laura Lee pulled one back with two minutes remaining. England's coach Tricia Herberle described the game as "positive but patchy".

Although England's men's coach Malcolm Wood was unhappy with the way his side conceded two sloppy goals he will have been pleased with the number of chances his side created with David Mathews scoring twice, and Craig Parnham, Danny Hall and Jimmy Wallis also on target.