Nice Britain 2 – 3 Australia
Nice Britain suffered their first defeat in three Professional League matches, shedding 3-2 to Australia on the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London. Regardless of early promise, David Ralph’s aspect couldn’t keep their lead and in the end fell quick towards the Hockeyroos.
Quarter 1: Early Lead for GB
The match started with an early objective for Nice Britain, courtesy of Grace Balsdon. Simply 5 minutes into the sport, Balsdon’s drag-flick beat Australian goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram, marking her thirty sixth worldwide objective. This early strike raised hopes for a second victory over Australia for the reason that Rio 2016 Olympics. The rest of the quarter was comparatively uneventful, with Australia’s solely penalty nook well-defended by the hosts.
Rating at Finish of Q1: 1-0
Quarter 2: Australia Ranges and Takes the Lead
Australia responded within the second quarter. Grace Stewart equalised for the guests 5 minutes in, driving into the circle unchallenged and firing previous GB keeper Miriam Pritchard. The Australians continued to press, with Mariah Williams and Grace Younger forcing saves from Pritchard.
Simply earlier than halftime, Australia took the lead via Brooke Peris, who deflected a low drag-flick from Kaitlin Nobbs previous Pritchard from a penalty nook.
Half-Time Rating: 1-2
Quarter 3: GB Equalise
The third quarter noticed Nice Britain draw stage. Within the thirty ninth minute, Tess Howard deflected a low flick from Balsdon previous Bartram, notching her third Professional League objective of the season. Regardless of this equaliser, the match remained largely cautious, with each groups struggling to create clear-cut probabilities. Charlotte Watson got here shut for GB after good work from Ellie Rayer, however Australia additionally had alternatives, with Williams firing broad from a penalty nook.
Rating at Finish of Q3: 2-2
Quarter 4: Australia Secures the Win
The ultimate quarter noticed few clear alternatives, however Australia managed to seek out the winner. Rosie Malone deflected a penalty nook previous Pritchard with eight minutes remaining, sealing the victory for the guests. Nice Britain utilized stress in the direction of the top, incomes a number of penalty corners, however couldn’t convert them into targets.
Full-Time Rating: 2-3
This end result leaves Nice Britain in seventh place with 4 video games remaining, 5 factors behind Belgium, who they may face twice later this month within the Netherlands. Australia concludes their Professional League marketing campaign in fifth place however might drop relying on the outcomes of the remaining matches.
David Ralph’s workforce confirmed moments of promise however in the end couldn’t overcome a disciplined Australian aspect. With the Professional League drawing to an in depth, Nice Britain might want to regroup and concentrate on their upcoming fixtures to enhance their standings.
