Hockey: Hawk's speed decisive for England

England 2 Belgium

England's youthful side won the first of their two Tests against Belgium at Canterbury last night with a workmanlike performance.

After soaking up early pressure in which the full-back Rob Todd and Brett Garrard were impressive, a quick England break by Ben Hawk produced England's first penalty corner as the Surbiton man's stick was interfered with by Jerome Toussaint. Richard Mantell beat the Belgium goalkeeper with a powerful strike to open the scoring.

Penned into their own half for long periods, England looked very impressive with quick breaks down the flanks. Although they won a second penalty corner which was saved well from another Mantell drag, England could not add to their score before half-time.

England introduced their five substitutes for the second half. The introduction of Jonty Clarke and Barry Middleton on the right wing with Martin Jones moving into the centre provided plenty of problems for the Belgium defence.

The temporary suspension of Belgium's Maxime Luyckx six minutes into the second half inspired the visitors, who forced a couple of penalty corners which Simon Mason, making his 150th international appearance, saved well.

England returned to the attack with Middleton bringing a fine save at the edge of the circle, the ball rebounding to Clarke who found the net. With both sides looking for further goals the large crowd were treated to a string of breaks and numerous penalty corners, but no further goals.

ENGLAND: S Mason (Reading, capt); R Todd (Reading), B Garrard (Surbiton); A West (Cannock), G Kirkham (Loughborough Students), B Hawes (Surbiton); M Jones (Cannock), M Pearn (Reading), R Mantell (Reading), R Moore (Teddington), J Grice (Southgate). Substitutes used: B Barnes (Reading), J Bleby (Loughborough Students), J Clarke (Reading), B Middleton (Cannock), M Taylor (Cannock).