Hockey: Smith sets England on way to success

England completed their four-match Test series against South Africa in Randburg yesterday with a narrow 2-1 victory to take the series 3-1.

Once again it was Jane Smith, picking up a rebound, who scored from a sixth- minute penalty corner conversion after Mel Clewlow's initial shot had been blocked, which gave England a good start.

The hard working Leisa King, this time from a Clewlow free hit, put them further ahead three minutes before the interval.

England lost their way after the break, not helped by three temporary suspensions, and after Bronwyn Ross had pulled a goal back for the hosts the visitors were struggling to the final whistle.

England's Australian coach Tricia Heberle said: "We're very pleased to have come out on top in what was a hard and challenging encounter. We controlled the first half though at times, players started to show the fatigue from what has been a gruelling programme. The second half presented us with many difficulties."

It was a different story on Saturday when England never looked back after a Smith goal in the fourth minute allowed them to run out 4-1 winners. A victory which greatly pleased Heberle after their disappointing 2-1 defeat on Thursday. Jennie Bimson, Helen Grant and King completed the scoring on Saturday with Pietie Coetzee scoring South Africa's consolation.

WOMEN'S THIRD TEST (Randburg): (Sat): South Africa 1 England 4. Fourth Test (yesterday): South Africa 1 England 2 (England win series 3-1).