Basingstoke Hockey Club’s Sarah Mainprise started for the England Masters Over 55’s as they won their opening fixture 3-0 against near neighbours Wales in Canberra yesterday.
After a nervy start, including Mainprise clearing a short corner effort off the line, England improved and eventually took the lead after half an hour via a Penalty Stroke from from Pippa Bull (Bishop’s Stortford). Sue Crake (Hosham) scored the second ten minutes later to make it 2-0 and Di Levitt (Bridlington) made it three soon after, the move starting with a long ball down the line by Mainprise.
In the other game, Australia beat New Zealand 1-0 leaving England top of the group but a long way to go with each team playing each other twice before the playoffs and finals 6th April. Next up is New Zealand, with the hosts providing the opposition the following day.
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