Australia defeat England 3-1

England's junior hockey team succumbed to their third successive defeat in the five-nation under-21 men's invitational hockey tournament, at the National hockey stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday.

Australia, with two second-half goals, defeated England, 3-1, to record their second win of the tournament.

Australia started the stronger side and took the lead in the 13th minute through captain Nathan Englington's goal. England wasted a couple of goal scoring chances before the half-time and the Aussies led 1-0 at the interval.

England's was forced to be on the defensive throughout the second half as the Australian applied relentless pressure.

And just eight minutes into the second period, Australia increased their lead to 2-0 with Grant Schubert sounding the board. Philip Marshall, in 45th minute, scored the third goal for Aussies from open play.

England pressed forward to try to create an opening that would allow them to get back into the game and were finally rewarded in the 59th minute when Canterbury's Richard Mantell pulled back a goal with penalty-corner conversion. But Australia held onto the lead and ran out 3-1 winners.

Australia, with only a game left against Malaysia, lead the table with seven points.

Earlier reports:
India trounce England
Australia too good for Korea
India rally to hold Australia
Indian juniors to take on Australia