England lose final Junior World Cup match on penalties

ENGLAND'S Junior World Cup has ended on a sour note as they crashed to a 6-5 penalty strokes defeat to South Africa.

The England youngsters were much improved from their 9-0 drubbing at the hands of India but, having let a two-goal lead slip, Andy Halliday's troops were undone by the lottery of penalties.

After the first five players on each side found the net from the spot, it was Nick Caitlin stepped up but failed to find the net before Anthony Vervoort grabbed the winner and ensured England finish the tournament in a disappointing 16th place.

"It's been a very disappointing result after finishing ninth four years ago but the players will take and learn much from the whole experience, which will stand them in good stead in time to come," said Halliday.

England started the brighter of the two teams and for the first time in several matches looked threatening in front of goal with David Beckett, Chris Griffiths and Alex Edmonstone all going close in the opening 15 minutes.

And it came as no surprise when Edmonstone opened the scoring as he pounce on the loose ball after Simon Faulkner's shot had been saved.

That was haw it stayed until the break and while South Africa flew out of the blocks in the second half, it was England who doubled their advantage, Edmonstone netting his second of the game.   

But it was not long before the deficit was back to one when Warren Grobler was left in acres of space and he made no mistake on his reverse stick from ten yards out.

With eight minutes remaining Edmonstone saw yellow and Dalan Phillips scored a crucial South African equaliser less than five minutes from time.

Extra time ensued in the gruelling Singapore heat and while England looked the most likely to grab the winner, neither team could find the net, ensuring penalties and as Caitlin missed, Vervoot sealed South Africa's place in 15th.