England pay for errors in defence

Hockeyx

Germany took revenge for their European Cup defeat by England when they won 2-0 here last night in the Champions Trophy, taking advantage of two England defensive errors.

In torrential rain, England held the Germans in the opening exchanges only to go a goal down in the 16th minute. Julian Halls was caught in possession by Oliver Domke, who sent Sven Meinhardt away on the left. His powerful shot was blocked by Simon Mason, but Domke was on hand to score.

With England continuing to attack, their defence was again caught on the break. They conceded a penalty corner which was worked to Meinhardt for the second goal.

Australia maintained their unbeaten record with a 1-0 win against the Netherlands, Matthew Smith scoring in the 57th minute.

England: S Mason (Reading); J Wyatt (Reading), J Halls (Old Loughtonians); G Fordham (Hounslow), Kalbir Takher (Cannock), S Hazlitt (Hounslow, capt); C Mayer (Cannock), J Lee (Old Loughtonians), N Thompson (Old Loughtonians), R Garcia (Polo Barcelona), B Sharpe (Cannock). Substitutes used: C Giles (Havant), M Pearn (Reading), J Wallis (Teddington), D Hall (Guildford).

Germany: C Reitz; C Fischer; T Brinkmann, J-P Tewes, C Mayerhofer; K Michler (capt), D Brinkmann, F Kunz; S Meinhardt, C Bechmann, O Domke. Substitutes used: S Saliger, P Bellenbaun, M Green.

Umpires: S Yasudhassan (Malaysia) and P Elders (Netherlands).