Weather and Scotland combine to beat India

Cheryl Valentine was Scotland's saviour in the match which was played in heavy rain. India, who were twice denied in the first half by the woodwork were unlucky to not come out with a victory.

Cheryl equalised a 7th minute goal by India's Mamta Kharb in the 27th minute and it was from her pass that Rhona Simpson scored the game's match-winner with a reverse stick sweep shot.

The Indian manager Rupa Saini felt the weather was the cause of her teams defeat. "We have never come up against such atrocious conditions" she said. The whole match was played in steady or heavy rain.

Mike Gilbert, the Scottish coach, admitted, "We have made hard work of qualifying but our strength of character showed through today".

India can still qualify for the World Cup but they need to win their next match against the winners of Lithuania vs Ireland.

The top six teams from the qualifier make it to the World Cup finals at Perth in November-December 2002. The team that finishes seventh will have to beat the United States, who missed the qualifier