England hit four to qualify in style

England took the gold medal last night in the final of the World Cup Qualifier, beating Russia 4-0. Ukraine claimed bronze after drawing with Japan after extra time, then winning a penalty stroke barrage 4-3.

England's Kate Walsh opened the scoring in the 16th minute and three minutes into the second half Jane Smith followed up at a penalty corner. England survived the temporary suspension of Jennie Bimson for an unnecessary tackle from behind before a run by Anna Bennett won a penalty corner with five minutes left. Mel Clewlow's shot slammed home against the boards. There was time for a final goal from Denise Marston-Smith.

Scotland, after a 2-1 golden goal victory against India on Saturday, qualified as did the Irish, to achieve the last two automatic qualification places for Perth. After drawing 2-2 with Lithuania on Saturday evening Ireland lost the penalty shoot-out 5-6. They then appealed on a technicality regarding the order in which the strokes were taken. The sudden death was replayed. Lithuania did not appear on time on Saturday or at a rearranged 10am yesterday, and were withdrawn.

They did appear before the Scotland-Ireland game yesterday afternoon and staged a pitch sit-in, delaying the start. Ireland came from behind with goals from Jill Orbinson and a golden goal in extra time from Emma Rochlin. Alison Grant scored for Scotland.

England: Reid; Nicholson, Clewlow, Walsh; Blanks, Wright, Bimson, Cullen; Bennett, Smith, King. Substitutes used: Marston-Smith, Walker, Miller.

Russia: Terentieva; Dobrokhotova; Verchinina, Vassioukova, Timchina; Kravtchenko, Tchegourdaeva, Nikolaeva, Velmatkina; Bassaitchuk, Tcchegourdaeva. Substitutes used: Rastorgueva, Sviridova, Polovkova.