History beckons as Brown edges closer to final date

LOTHERSDALE archer Danielle Brown stands on the verge of further history at the Commonwealth Games after England's women's compound team reached the semi-finals in Delhi.

The 22-year-old is already the first disabled athlete to compete for England in an able-bodied event at the Commonwealths, and could become the first medallist as well.

Brown, alongside Nicky Hunt and Nichola Simpson, eased through their quarter-final with New Zealand 227-221 and will face Malaysia in the next round today.

The trio will become the first English archers to win Commonwealth gold since 1982 if they succeed.

However Brown – who won women's individual compound gold at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008 – insists she will not be thinking about history until it is made.

"New Zealand started off with a two-point lead on us so it was a pretty tough match from the start but we shot better and better the more it went on," said Brown.

"It is only the second time we have shot as a team. The first was the Shanghai World Cup earlier this year and we are still learning"

Hockey duo Barry Middleton and Alastair Wilson found their feet quickly as England passed their first match test against Trinidad and Tobago with flying colours.

Simon Mantell's double ensured Champions Trophy bronze medallists England ran out comfortable 4-0 victors while Ashley Jackson and Alastair Brogdon also found the net in their opening triumph.