Hockey: Heberle dismayed by lost points

Tricia Heberle, the England coach, was severely disappointed yesterday following England's 2-2 draw with South Africa in their second game in the Women's World Cup here.

"Two points lost rather than one won," was her reaction, and South Africa's coach, Ros Howell, clearly agreed when she said: "We were fortunate to get a draw. Our goalkeeper had a great game."

Heberle could have said exactly the same about her goalkeeper Carolyn Reid, who made a string of fine saves. England started confidently, with Leisa King sending Helen Grant through for the opening goal in the second minute.

From the restart the Springboks raced to the England circle where Mel Clewlow conceded a penalty corner. Pietie Coetzee's hard shot was deflected in by Johke Koornhof.

England dominated to the interval while allowing South Africa to dictate the game. In the 54th minute, the England defence opened to give Coetzee a free shot and the 24-year-old scored to give South Africa the lead. With four minutes left, Clewlow thumped the ball in from England's seventh penalty corner to save their blushes.