Hockey: England clinch trophy with stirring recovery

England's women staged a dramatic fightback to beat India 3-2 and win the Quadrangular Commonwealth Games in Manchester yesterday. However, there was a less impressive showing from the men's team, losing 3-1 to Ireland, who recorded their first victory over England since 1949.

England's women staged a dramatic fightback to beat India 3-2 and win the Quadrangular Commonwealth Games in Manchester yesterday. However, there was a less impressive showing from the men's team, losing 3-1 to Ireland, who recorded their first victory over England since 1949.

The English women were trailing India 2-0 with just 10 minutes remaining but staged a thrilling recovery. Rachel Walker, with a penalty corner, set them on their way and Leisa King equalised in the final minute after good work from Mandy Nicholson. In added time, Mel Clewlow slammed home the winner from a penalty corner. England's coach Trish Herberle now makes her final selection for the squad that will face the Indians again in the Commonwealth Games next month.

The men's team made a good start against Ireland, with David Mathews scoring from their first penalty corner in the sixth minute. However, the Irish levelled the score through Julian Stevenson on the interval whistle.

Mark Raphael put them ahead 21 minutes into the second half from a penalty corner and Stephen Butler wrapped up the game as Ireland, who won the men's competition, threatened to run riot.