England preserve record

HOCKEY

England beat Italy 2-0 in Genoa yesterday to keep their hundred per cent record in the European Under-21 Qualifying Tournament. The goals both came in the second half from Danny Hall and Alistair Boyse, who scored from a solo effort from inside his own half. Although Scotland beat Portugal 2-1 to finish in third place they failed to qualify.

The absence of players with the women's under-21 squad in Bratislava will have an impact on the women's AEWHA Cup semi-finals tomorrow. Hightown make the long trip to Exmouth without the services of Caroline Gilbert, Michaela Morton and Lucy Newcombe, while Balsam Leicester travel to Southampton to play Trojans without Lucy Cope and Sarah Blanks. Hightown involve Joanne Bradburn, 15, in their squad for the first time.