AMSTELVEEN, Aug 20: India just about managed to avoid ignominy of finishing last as they laboured to a scrappy 2-1 victory over England to take seventh position in eight-nation Rabo Trophy hockey on Saturday.

After three consecutive defeats, beleaguered Indians managed to break the sequence of losses with a face-saving victory but the performance still left much to be desired for a team which has shown no signs of a turnaround.

India shot into lead just two minutes before breather through Gagan Ajit Singh before Deepak Thakur consolidated the position in 53rd minute in a lacklustre encounter at Wagener stadium.

James Tindall scored a consolation goal for England in last minute which saw some dramatic moments as Englishmen got an opportunity to restore the balance with a penalty corner at the stroke of hooter.—Agencies

Pakistan will take on Australia in the final today