Hockey: Late flurry redeems England

England and the Netherlands assured themselves of semi- final places in the European women's junior championship, whatever the outcome of their game today, after their wins yesterday, Bill Colwill reports from Cardiff. The Dutch beat the Czech Republic 3-0 and England came from behind to beat Russia 3-1.

England were rocked by the Russians in the 13th minute when they were penalised for obstruction, with Elena Fedotova converting the penalty stroke. Their cause was not helped a minute later when the captain, Lucy Newcombe, who has a fractured thumb, was forced to leave the pitch.

Although England dominated the midfield exchanges, the Russians were dangerous on the break and it was not until the last 20 minutes that England took control.

Fiona Greenham provided the breakthrough and 10 minutes later she was denied a second goal as a Russian defender fell on the ball. Denise Marston- Smith came on to convert the penalty stroke and with three minutes to go, Greenham finished off an intricate penalty corner move.