England

By Cathy Harris

JANE SMITH scored two late penalty corner goals to seal Slough?s 4-1 win over Vilnius in the European Cup Winners? Cup in Rotterdam yesterday.The England captain showed no sign of the knee injury that had sidelined her for a fortnight as Slough dominated the opening exchanges against the Lithuanian team. Mandy Nicholson, Smith?s England colleague, and Sam Archer, who have both been suffering from chest infections, were also passed fit to play.


Alex Scott provided the pass for Louise Bevan to put Slough 1-0 ahead in the 28th minute, but after Vilnius levelled two minutes after the interval, Kate Walsh, the captain, made it 2-1 when she converted a penalty stroke awarded when Archer was brought down in the circle.

Forced to overcome dogged defensive tactics by their opponents, Slough?s superior experience showed as they earned eight penalty corners. Lesley Hobley, the Slough coach, said: ?We played some lovely stuff up to and around the circle, but didn?t make enough of our chances. It was a good performance, I gave everyone pitch time and, most importantly, we came through unscathed.?

Slough meet Sintez Dzerjinsk City today with the Russian team buoyant after their 4-1 victory over Grange Edinburgh Ladies yesterday. The Scots held their own in the first half with Louise Munn giving them an early lead but after Lynsey Allan missed a penalty stroke with the score 1-1, they fell apart, conceding three goals in a 12-minute spell after the break.

In the men?s event in Terrassa, Surbiton were defeated 2-0 by Egara, the host team and 1991 champions, who scored from open play in the first half and from a 58th-minute penalty corner. Surbiton did have their chances, including four penalty corners, but failed to find a way past the Spanish team?s goalkeeper, who was in great form.

Lee Pettifer, the Surbiton manager, said that they were disappointed to lose their opening match, especially as they are playing in such a tough group. They will not, however, be quite as crestfallen as their opponents today, Saint Germain, who were hammered 8-1 by An der Alster, the German club. Victory against the French will be just the boost Surbiton need ahead of tomorrow?s crucial clash against An der Alster.

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