Jackson on the mark as England men slam Scots

ASHLEY Jackson fired an emphatic hat-trick as England's men finished their indoor hockey test series against Scotland with a commanding 8-1 victory.

DANGERMAN: Ashley Jackson netted another hat-trick as England beat Scotland 8-1 in Paisley

Jackson, recently named WorldHockey young player of the year, opened his account in the second minute and never looked back.

Matt Daly, Adam Dixon, Simon Egerton, Jonty Clarke and Richard Springham also scored while Adam McKenzie netted Scotland's sole strike.

Coach Andy Halliday will now consult his notes ahead of the WASA Cup and the European Championships in Poznan, where England - who only returned to the international indoor hockey circuit two years ago - will seek promotion to the top-flight.

"It was a very good performance," said England team manager Nick Beasant. 

"Over the past two years that we've been in indoor hockey, we've seen a lot of improvements with everyone on the programme.

"The squad is looking good, and we need to make some tough decisions now about selection ahead of the WASA Cup and the Europeans."

Vicky Bunce netted a hat-trick as Scotland's women beat England's youngsters 6-2, leveling the four-match series 2-2.

Kerry Williams and Ashleigh Ball put England into an early lead but Scotland hit back with six unanswered goals.

Bunce brought them back into the game before Julie Bryce netted the first of two goals from a penalty corner. Amy Brodie scored the other Scotland goal.

However, England team manager Dan Tilley remains upbeat ahead of next year's Europeans in Rouen.

"We played very well in the first half," he said.

"The Scots pushed hard in the second half and gained the upper hand.

"We chased the game and took our goalkeeper off and went for it. Unfortunately they scored a couple of corners which are difficult to defend with a kicking back.

"It's still been a good positive experience. It's been good practice ahead of the Europeans, and for some of the players it was their first indoor hockey.

"Obviously the seniors weren't here, they've been out in Argentina, so when they return it will bolster the squad and we're confident ahead of the Europeans."