Bronze reward for White

FOCUSED: Nicola White is a study of concentration against Australia during the Investec Challenge in South Africa.

OLDHAM’S Nicola White was part of the England side which claimed bronze in the Investec Challenge in South Africa.

Former Hulme Grammar student White — who scored a consolation goal in the 3-1 pool match loss to Australia earlier in the week — was again involved in the bronze showdown with the Aussies.

England twice fought back to earn a 2-2 draw before clinching a 3-2 penalties victory.

White was one of the players singled out for special praise by team leader Karen Brown.

She said: “In patches we played some very nice hockey and what was probably most pleasing is that we kept battling through the entire match.

“It was hot and physically demanding. I thought Hollie Webb, Laura Unsworth, Nic White, Sophie Bray and Beckie Herbert all played particularly well.”

It was a happy end to a difficult time in Cape Town, where England finished bottom of the group after a pair of 4-1 defeats against hosts South Africa and Netherlands and the loss to Australia.