Australia, after a stuttering start in the Azlan Shah Cup at Ipoh, Malaysia, duly came through to win the first major international tournament of the year, beating surprise finalists Malaysia 3-0. The Olympic champions and World Cup silver medallists were held goalless in the first half by the hosts but then stepped up a gear with open play goals by Eddie Ockenden (2) and Russell Ford. India took the bronze medals, beating Korea 1-0, while Pakistan finished a lowly sixth.
Britain’s top players were given a rest after three weekends of the Great Britain Super League, which left both England and Reading with makeshift teams for the exhibition match at the otherwise well supported National Youth Festival at Nottingham. The match was one-sided and disappointing. England won 6-0 despite Simon Mason coming out of retirement to keep goal for Reading. “Mace” did help the English club champions to restrict England to two goals in the first half. Harry Jawanda, one of England’s newest internationals, took the opportunity to score four of the goals but three of his were virtual tap-in’s and the other a stroke conversion. National League top scorer Gareth Andrew of Peterborough, wearing an England shirt for the first time after his big time debut at the Super League, again fitted in to England’s aggressive style of play. He and Cannock’s Richard Lane scored the other goals.
Reading, preparing for the European Club Championship, hope to field their strongest team against Racing Club of Paris next Friday and Saturday at Sonning. Racing Club of Paris are coached by Jon Copp, the former Reading and Great Britain coach.At Doncaster, champions Nottinghamshire again qualified for County finals week-end by winning their preliminary group. They had to resist a stern challenge from Yorkshire who held them to a 4-4 draw in tier final game.
