Juniors reach semi-final

England and the Netherlands yesterday won semi-final places in the European Junior Championship, but in contrasting styles - the Dutch with a majestic 5-1 win against Belgium while England beat the Czech Republic 3-1 in a bitter, bruising encounter. Mark Pearn put England ahead from a penalty stroke after 10 minutes, after been chopped from behind by Richard Kotrc.

As the tackles grew stronger England won a string of penalty corners, but a charmed life for the Czechs prevented further scoring until the second half.

The Czechs, reduced to nine men in the first half, had Kotrc was suspended for a tackle on England's captain Brett Garrard 13 minutes into the second half. England cashed in with two goals. David Matthews was on hand to follow up a Jon Evennett penalty corner strike and then three minutes later Pearn did likewise to collect his second. Kotrc returned to score the Czechs' consolation.