Hockey: Hall and Pearn lift England after opening-day setback

England bounced back from their disastrous 6-2 opening game defeat by Spain on Saturday with a 2-0 win over South Africa yesterday in the Champions Challenge in Randburg.

On Saturday, two excellent five-minute spells either side of half-time, combined with poor finishing from England, sent the game Spain's way. Pol Amat, Xavi Ribas and Eduard Tubau each scored twice for Spain with Barry Middleton and Jerome Goudie hitting back for England.

Yesterday, before the largest crowd so far in the tournament, England drew first blood on eight minutes, Danny Hall bursting through the South African defence to score. Only a number of fine saves from Dave Stanforth in the South African goal then kept England from adding to their tally.

South Africa took control after the interval but a combination of inspired English defence and poor finishing kept England in front.Mark Pearn doubled the lead to make sure of the victory with a rebound goal on 55 minutes from a penalty corner.

After today's rest day, England tomorrow take on Malaysia, who yesterday drew 1-1 with New Zealand.

England: J Lewis; J Collins, B Garrard; R Todd, J Peckett, C Parnham (capt); J Goudie, M Pearn, B Middleton, G Fordham, D Hall. Substitutes used: J Wallis, B Hawes, M Jon.

* In Manchester, England's women beat Scotland 5-0 to maintain their unbeaten run over their rivals which stretches back more than a decade.