SA women edged by England

London - The South African women's hockey team were brought back down to earth on Thursday, following a 2-1 loss to England in the Investec Cup at London's national hockey stadium.

The South Africans had beaten Scotland in their tournament opener on Wednesday, but failed to make their chances count as England turned their 1-0 half-time lead into a comfortable 2-1 victory.

England scored a minute before half-time, courtesy of a brilliant individual effort from forward Alex Danson, before the visitors replied through Illse Davids in the 47th.

Nine minutes from the end Georgie Twigg nailed the winner for England from the penalty spot.

England, the current world number six, thrashed Wales 8-0 in their first round and are already through to Sunday's final.

South Africa meet Wales in the final round-robin match on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the South African men's outfit need to beat England on Thursday to have any chance of reaching Sunday's final.