Hockey: Garcia grabs the points

ENGLAND collected their first points in the Four Nations' Tournament in Madrid yesterday, with the narrowest of wins against South Africa to finish third.

The Dutch, who thrashed Spain 7-0 yesterday, won their three games and the tournament, while South Africa came second.

England's disappointing form continued into the game with the South Africans, which was salvaged only by a second-minute goal from Russell Garcia at a penalty corner. Thereafter, it was much the story of the weekend - chances created with some strong midfield play but wasted by poor finishing. After Garcia's early goal, a forward prod by Jon Potter sent Rob Thompson goalwards only for him to shoot wide.

ENGLAND: D Luckes (East Grinstead); P McGuire (Teddington), J Halls (Old Loughtonians), J Potter (Hounslow), Soma Singh (Southgate), S Hazlitt (Hounslow), D Williams (Havant), R Garcia (Polo Barcelona), R Thompson (Hounslow), J Laslett (Teddington, capt), N Thompson (Old Loughtonians). Substitutes used: R Davis (Harleston Magpies), J Lee (East Grinstead).

SOUTH AFRICA: S Schoenegeval; C Pereira, C Teversham, P Logan, G Hartley, K Chree, W Graham (capt), G Boddington, R Pullen, G Nicol, M Cullen. Substitutes used: G Clark, C O'Hagan, M Anderson.

Umpires: X Adell (Spain), F Idenburg (Neth).