Great Britain 2 (1)
Costello (19’, PC); French (42’, FG)
South Africa 1 (1)
de Waal (6’, PC)
On another warm day at the Yves-du-Manoir stadium, Great Britain and South Africa met, both looking for maximum points in Pool B to kick-start their Olympic campaigns. It was South Africa who went ahead from a de Waal goal at a penalty corner, but GB replied in the second quarter with Costello equalising, before French got what was the winner in the 3rd quarter. To seal a 2-1 win for GB’s women.
The game started with both teams trading possession and turnovers as they sort to gain an advantage. An early penalty corner for GB was defended successfully, after a Giselle Ansley strike produced a good glove save by the South Africa keeper Anelle Lloyd.
At the other end on six minutes South Africa forced their own penalty corner. After a reverse stick strike into the circle from the left, hit a defender’s foot. The first attempt was blocked, but the retake saw Bobb’s drag flick low to left hand post, which was met by an outstretched stick from Kayle de Waal to deflect past Pritchard into the centre of the goal. 1-0 to South Africa.
South Africa held GB out in the remainder of the quarter, using their press and aerials to try and apply more pressure.
Chasing an equaliser, Great Britain started to get more possession and control on the game. On nineteen minutes a flowing move started by an aerial from Ansley, was picked up by Jones, the ball broke to Howard running in on goal, who then found Robertson and her push toward goal hit a South Africa foot. From the penalty corner, Amy Costello produced a powerful drag flick to the bottom right hand corner, which deflected off the post defender’s stick inside the right hand post, to make it 1-1.
GB continued to grow in confidence and started to control the game. By half-time the stats were at 59% possession for GB, with 8 circle entries to South Africa’s 3.
In the third quarter GB pressed to find their next goal, and a sustained spell of possession paid dividends with a well taken goal from Hannah French. On forty-two minutes Giselle Ansley put up an aerial across the circle from right to left, finding French whose great pick of the ball in the air set up the chance. She allowed it to drop and then hit first time past the goalkeeper as the ball bounced back up off the turf. 2-1 to GB.
Great Britain continued to control the game in the fourth quarter, nullifying any threat from South Africa. They created a couple more chances with penalty corners, but were unable to convert, and saw the game out deservedly collecting the win and three points.
GB women play next match on Thursday against the USA at 4pm UK time.
Feeling inspired by the hockey in Paris? Get involved and pick up a stick this summer, there is plenty on offer for you.
