Hockey: Pearn's late strike against Canadians brings relief

Great Britain moved four points clear at the top of the table in the Tri Nations Tournament in Vancouver following their 2-1 wins against Belgium and Canada over the weekend.

Two goals from Guildford's Danny Hall set up their victory over Belgium. Britain had the lion's share of territorial advantage, but only a fortuitous decision from the umpire at an overtime penalty corner denied Belgium an equaliser.

Following their first victory against Britain last Wednesday, Canada began in style, cashing in on a defensive error to open the scoring through Peter Short in the third minute. They went into the interval with the narrow one-goal lead and seemed complacent on the resumption, allowing Britain to claw themselves back into the game.

But it was not until the 57th minute that Craig Parnham equalised, following up a penalty corner after his initial strike was charged down. With seven minutes left, Barry Middleton and Jerome Goudie set up a diving Mark Pearn to score with a reverse stick shot. A relieved Mike Hamilton said: "The team showed resolve and discipline to overturn their disappointment of the first match against Canada. We are beginning to play much better as a unit."

An England B side containing several senior internationals took on Ireland twice at Loughborough University over the weekend, winning 2-1 on Saturday and being held to a 1-1 draw yesterday.

GREAT BRITAIN: G Harris; R Todd, B Garrard (capt); G Moodie, J Peckett, C Parnham; V Marwaha, M Pearn, N Stott, J Wallis, D Mitchell. Substitutes used: J Goudie, B Middleton, M Johnson, A West.