England pip India

UTRECHT, May 20: For a bunch of no-hopers, India played pleasing hockey, but it did not help them any as they went down 0-1 to a lucky Engla...

UTRECHT, May 20: For a bunch of no-hopers, India played pleasing hockey, but it did not help them any as they went down 0-1 to a lucky England in their opening Pool B league match of the women’s World Cup hockey tournament at the Frockey Stadium here, on Wednesday.

England barely held on to a 19th minute penalty-corner goal by Lucilla Wright who put home a rebound after goalkeeper Helen Mary had done well to block a direct hit by Jane Smith. Apart from the goal, England did little else of note though they dominated much of the match.

India’s performance in the opening half was as colourless as their blue outfits and the weather itself. But they picked themselves up in the second session when they put together a few threatening moves. A bit of luck and imagination might well have seen them through. To India’s credit, they showed plenty of pluck despite falling in arrears and one must commend their deep defence, manned by Sandeep Kaur and Helen Soy, both of whom came up with swift tackles and interceptionsto keep the English girls at bay.

EASY FOR AUSTRALIA: Earlier, holders Australia enjoyed an useful workout against Scotland while chalking up a 5-0 win without really looking their best in a Pool A.