The second game of the day saw Great Britain’s women overcome China in closely fought game.
It was all square after a goalless first quarter, in which China had the better chances. Forcing a save from Heesh in an open play from a close range reverse stick shot and earning a penalty corner.
Early in the second quarter China went close when a low drag-flick from a penalty corner hit the left-hand post. GB, on the other hand, started to press, earning their first penalty corner, but Ansley’s drag was well blocked by the Chinese runner. China created a goalscoring opportunity in the closing stage of the first half, but GB’s defence manage to avert the danger, keeping the scoreline at 0-0.
The second half started in a similar fashion, with both teams making inroads in each other’s circles, trying to look for an opening. GB’s structured attack in the later stage of the third quarter helped them break the deadlock as Hannah Martin found the back of the net in the 39th minute. GB went on to take control of the proceedings as they managed to keep the slender 1-0 lead intact at the end of the third quarter.
Great Britain started the final quarter aggressively as they earned back-to-back penalty corners in the 49th minute, but they missed out on converting the chances. China also earned back-to-back penalty corners, but couldn’t capitalise on the opportunities. GB held on for an opening win in London and another 3 points.
Earlier in the day, Belgium edged past India 2-1 in a hard-fought opening game in London.
After a goalless quarter, Belgium broke the deadlock in the 18th minute through Thibeau Stockbroekx who scored from a rebound from Loick Luypaert’s penalty corner. India went on to equalise in the 25th minute through Mandeep Singh who also scored on the rebound from Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty corner attempt. The second half of the match saw end-to-end action, with both teams attempting to break the deadlock. It was Belgium who got better of India as they managed to earn a Penalty Corner in the final minute of the game which was duly converted by Nelson Onana.
Men’s – 12:30 – Great Britain v India
Women’s – 15:00 – Belgium v China
Update: Tickets still available for 27 May, sold out on 28 May
- Under 18s from £8 for TWO games, adults from £18.50
- Two mini-tournaments at Lee Valley Hockey Tennis Centre in May & June 2023
- Great Britain playing some of the world’s best teams
- Lots of low price seats still available.
Make sure you don’t miss out and get your tickets here!
All games will be broadcast live on BT Sport
