Great Britain 0 (0)
Australia 4 (2)
Greiner (17’, PC); Arnott (19’, FG); Stewart T (46’, PS); Stewart G (52’, FG)
It was a tough afternoon for Great Britain’s women in 30+ degree heat in Paris as they went down by four goals to nil against Australia. In their first meeting since June’s FIH Pro League matches, Australia took the initiative with fast direct attacking, and scored goals from Greiner and Arnott in the second quarter and two more from Tatum and Grace Stewart in the fourth quarter.
In the opening quarter the Hockeyroos game plan was clear to see, and their high press looked to generate pressure in the GB half. When the ball was turned over they attacked with pace and in numbers. Great Britain did carve out some openings in this first period, with a couple of penalty corners but were unable to convert them. At the other end Miriam Pritchard was called into action to save from an Australian penalty corner.
Australia seized the advantage in the second quarter, when almost immediately they forced another penalty corner. The initial shot was saved by Pritchard but the ball dropped to Australia and twice GB’s Ansley and then Toman on the goal line had to clear. On the third time attempt, it was Rebecca Greiner whose reverse stick strike just squeezed in the goal, to make it 1-0.
Only two minutes later Australia launched another aerial into the GB circle, a tactic they had tried a number of times in the first quarter. Pritchard got a glove to the high ball, but it broke to Alica Arnott who was following up and her strike gave Australia a two-goal lead.
Great Britain came back into the game in the third quarter, as they looked to force a goal. Sarah Jones’ reverse stick push went just wide of goal and then a series of penalty corners for GB just couldn’t be converted. It was GB’s best spell of sustained pressure with multiple circle entries but just couldn’t create a clear cut chance.
The win for Australia’s women was sealed in the opening minute of the fourth quarter when Tatum Stewart scored a penalty stroke, placing the ball low and to the right of Pritchard. This had come after a stick tackle on Kershaw as she was attempting to take a shot.
Australia made it four on 52 mins, a powerful hit into the circle found Greiner on the right who slipped the ball to Grace Stewart near the right hand post. Her first time push just beat Pritchard inside the post.
GB women’s next match is on Wednesday against South Africa at 9.30 am 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.
