HOCKEY: Mixed fortunes for Scots in France

Scotland's under-21 women's side lost 2-0 to France in Lille yesterday – just 24 hours after beating their hosts 4-1.

The fired-up French took the lead in just four minutes before a penalty corner strike from Scotland's Louise Fleming was brilliantly stopped on the line by a defender.

The French kept up the pressure in the second half and won a procession of penalty corners, but were thwarted by a series of blocks by Nicola Lowrey and keeper Isobel Rosie. However, they finally made the second breakthrough with a shot from another set piece.

In the first match the Scots went ahead when a fine move ended with Rachael Malcolm's shot finding the net. The French levelled, but Emily Bain, Sophie McIntyre and Iona Stephen put the game beyond the hosts, who had two players sin-binned as the Scots scored their fourth.