Hockey: Crutchley rises early

It took Bobby Crutchley eight seconds to set England on their way to a fifth win in their five-match Test series against Egypt in Cairo yesterday as they beat their hosts 3-2 in a scrappy game.

Russell Garcia, put England further ahead with a penalty stroke four minutes later before they lost their momentum. The game was littered with petty fouls, Egypt twice being reduced by temporary suspensions to 10 men.

Ahmed Zein pulled one back for Egypt in the second half when the English defence failed to cut out a cross from Ahmed Hamanda, but Crutchley restored the two-goal margin. Amyo Fata scored from the penalty spot for Egypt in the final minute.

Surbiton and Havant maintained their unbeaten records at the top of the First Division of the National League yesterday. Simon Tinkler scored for Surbiton in their 1-0 win against Harlesden Magpies, while Havant came from behind against Oxford University to win 6-4 thanks to four goals from Derek Cunliffe, who converted three penalty strokes.