Hockey: Eng, SA register wins

Virginia Beach, Virginia:

England and South Africa have both secured victories in the Champions Challenge at Virginia Beach in the United Sates. England came from a goal down to beat Spain 4-1 with two goals from Sally Walton and a goal each by Tina Cullen and Jennie Bimson. Goals from Jen Wilson and Sharne Wemeyer helped South Africa maintained their 100 per cent record with a 2-1 win over Japan. England were looking to bounce back from a 4-0 thrashing by Japan when they played Spain in the Champions Challenge. England, who drew against New Zealand in their opening game, fell behind to a goal by Marta Prat with a reverse stick shot in the 17th minute. Spain, who had lost their last two games after beating Japan in their first match, had a chance to go 2-0 ahead when captain Kate Walsh saved on the line. However, Nuria Camon's penalty stroke was well saved by Becky Duggan in the England goal. England drew level on 28 minutes when Walsh went on a solo run and found Tina Cullen, who pushed the ball home. England went in at half time leading 2-1 thanks to Sally Walton's strong shot into the right corner in the 31st minute. England increased their lead to 3-1 on 42 minutes when Lucilla Wright found Walton, who scored her second goal of the game. England sealed a 4-1 win when Jennie Bimson found the back of the net after 69 minutes. England are fourth in the standings with four points from three games. South Africa were looking for their third successive win when they took on Japan. From a short corner, Jen Wilson scored on a deflected shot over the Japan goalkeeper Rie Terazono. Japan had a chance to equalise in the 11th minute with a penalty shot, but Toshie Tsukui completely fluffed her effort. Five minutes later South Africa doubled their lead when Johke Boezaart's shot from a short corner was turned in by Sharne Wemeyer. Japan battled hard in the second half and Akemi Kato pulled a goal back in the 65th minute following a free hit at the circle. South Africa held on for a 2-1 victory which took them to the top of the table. The top two in the six-team event will contest the final. (AP)