Hockey: New fans fail to lift England as Australia avenge Commonwealth loss

The women's World Cup in Perth came alive last night for the first time thanks to the arrival of the "Barmy Army", who cast aside their disappointment from the day's cricket at the WACA to support England in their attempt to repeat their Commonwealth Games semi-final victory over the Australian World and Olympic champions in Manchester earlier this year.

It was Australia, however, who ran out 3-1 winners of an exciting game which turned on a penalty-stroke save by Rachel Imison from the England captain, Jane Smith, on 10 minutes.

After that let off, Australia lifted their game and Louise Dobson gave them the lead from a penalty corner on 23 minutes. But inside a minute, England were on level terms, Leisa King deflecting in a cross from Rachel Walker.

Australia's midfield then began to take control and, after a series of fine saves from Hilary Rose, Australia's captain Katrina Powell, playing in her 200th international, scored the first of her two goals.

England's cause was hindered in the second half by temporary suspensions to Jennie Bimson and Mandy Nicholson, and the game was put beyond doubt when Powell, receiving from Peta Gallagher, scored her second in the 62nd minute.

In the day's other games, the Netherlands maintained their winning record with a 6-0 victory over Ireland, and Germany kept alive their semi-final hopes by beating Scotland 3-0.