Great Britain 2 – 3 Australia
Great Britain suffered their first defeat in three Pro League matches, losing 3-2 to Australia at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London. Despite early promise, David Ralph’s side couldn’t maintain their lead and ultimately fell short against the Hockeyroos.
Quarter 1: Early Lead for GB
The match began with an early goal for Great Britain, courtesy of Grace Balsdon. Just five minutes into the game, Balsdon’s drag-flick beat Australian goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram, marking her 36th international goal. This early strike raised hopes for a second victory over Australia since the Rio 2016 Olympics. The remainder of the quarter was relatively uneventful, with Australia’s only penalty corner well-defended by the hosts.
Score at End of Q1: 1-0
Quarter 2: Australia Levels and Takes the Lead
Australia responded in the second quarter. Grace Stewart equalised for the visitors five minutes in, driving into the circle unchallenged and firing past GB keeper Miriam Pritchard. The Australians continued to press, with Mariah Williams and Grace Young forcing saves from Pritchard.
Just before halftime, Australia took the lead through Brooke Peris, who deflected a low drag-flick from Kaitlin Nobbs past Pritchard from a penalty corner.
Half-Time Score: 1-2
Quarter 3: GB Equalise
The third quarter saw Great Britain draw level. In the 39th minute, Tess Howard deflected a low flick from Balsdon past Bartram, notching her third Pro League goal of the season. Despite this equaliser, the match remained largely cautious, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Charlotte Watson came close for GB after good work from Ellie Rayer, but Australia also had opportunities, with Williams firing wide from a penalty corner.
Score at End of Q3: 2-2
Quarter 4: Australia Secures the Win
The final quarter saw few clear opportunities, but Australia managed to find the winner. Rosie Malone deflected a penalty corner past Pritchard with eight minutes remaining, sealing the victory for the visitors. Great Britain applied pressure towards the end, earning several penalty corners, but could not convert them into goals.
Full-Time Score: 2-3
This result leaves Great Britain in seventh place with four games remaining, five points behind Belgium, who they will face twice later this month in the Netherlands. Australia concludes their Pro League campaign in fifth place but could drop depending on the outcomes of the remaining matches.
David Ralph’s team showed moments of promise but ultimately couldn’t overcome a disciplined Australian side. With the Pro League drawing to a close, Great Britain will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures to improve their standings.
