Having played three games apiece, it was a mixed finish for the England indoor sides, as they completed their three match series against Scotland in Paisley this afternoon.
England's women, who have recorded two 3-3 draws in their previous matches, went two behind from goals by Vikki Bunce and Kaz Marshall early in the game but Sally Walton and Emma Thomas were able to even up the score before the break, both goals coming from corners. Cathy Gilliatt-Smith briefly gave England the lead after the re-start before Nikki Kidd equalised for Scotland. Gilliat-Smith then scored again to restore England's lead but it was Kidd who came to Scotland's rescue. A further goal by Vikki Bunce and a late goal by Julie Bryce gave Scotland a 6-4 victory and they win the series 1-0.
England's men were still recovering from their 7-4 defeat by Scotland yesterday. Their 3-1 win on Friday meant that potentially they could win the series if they could win today. A penalty corner conversion by David Becket was wiped out by a goal by Adam MacKenzie just before half time. A penalty stroke to Scotland five minutes into the second half briefly gave Scotland the lead after Willie Marshall converted but Simon Egerton stepped up to take an England penalty stroke two minutes later and the sides were on even terms. Alistair Brogdon put England in the lead from a goal in open play, but the lead lasted only five minutes before Scotland's Scott Sunderland scored from a penalty corner. Final score 3-3, which means that the men's series ends in a draw.
WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WISH ALL OUR VISITORS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. HOCKEY RE-STARTS ON 2 JANUARY 2008 WITH THE BURLINGTON CUP (INDOOR) IN VIENNA.
