Bolly hockey sticks

England's challenge for gold ended controversially after they were beaten by a golden goal in the women's hockey final against India at Belle Vue.

India's Mamta Kharab scored the winning goal from a penalty corner just as the half-time hooter sounded in extra-time.

Initially the umpire disallowed the goal but, after consulting other officials, it was allowed and the Indians began their gold medal celebrations.

The umpire was correct to re-instate the goal as the rules state a penalty corner can be played out even if the normal game time has elapsed. England immediately lodged an official protest.

Earlier, the host nation had launched a tremendous fightback after falling 2-0 behind in the first half. Although dominating the first 20 minutes, England time and again failed to create any clear chances, which allowed India to soak up the pressure and wait .

Their opportunity came after 21 minutes when Mamta Kharab, dangerous all afternoon, pounced on a rebound after England's goalkeeper Hilary Rose had saved a short corner. Sita Gussain's deflected strike nine minutes later looked to have put the Indians on the road to gold, but England struck back with just 40 seconds left in the half.

Anna Bennett's reverse-stick shot looped across the goal and Sarah Blanks followed it in.

And they equalised shortly into the second half when Jane Smith's bobbled shot received a helping hand from Helen Grant into the net.

That sent a thrilling game into extra-time.

Australia had some consolation for losing their women's hockey semi-final and title with a convincing 4-3 victory over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the bronze medal match.

In a strangely lifeless encounter, Australia did not employ their usual pacey game but generally played sound controlled hockey.

Carmel Bakurski gave Australia the lead after seven minutes after a good break by Julie Towers. Within two minutes, Amanda Christie equalised following up a shot by Jaimee Provan.

Australia lost their lead twice in the first half, but sealed the match with two goals in just over a minute early in the second half.

The victory by the holders of the Olympic and World Cup titles was their eleventh in succession against New Zealand whom they will meet again shortly in the Champions Trophy in Macau.