Surbiton’s Georgie Twigg was involved in a cagey 3-2 victory against Argentina that saw the unbeaten women’s GB hockey team into the Olympic quarter-finals yesterday evening.
Helen Richardson-Walsh’s brace in the second quarter was key to the victory, giving Team GB a 2-0 lead at half time.
Sophie Bray scored a scrappy goal but Florencia Habif was able to bring the game to within one with two quick goals in the third quarter.
Despite a well-saved penalty by Argentina’s Belén Succi in the final quarter, a fierce defensive performance by Britain and goalkeeper Maddie Hinch clinched the victory against the London 2012 bronze medallists.
Argentina had the best chance early in the game, when Delfina Merino struck the post after rounding Hinch.
The deadlock was broken by Richardson-Walsh’s powerful strike from the edge of the area after a penalty corner.
Britain’s second and third followed after a period of midfield dominance.
Though Argentina quickly rallied and attacked, GB’s 3-0 lead after 40 minutes proved insurmountable.
Alex Danson won a penalty after being floored by Argentina’s Augstina Habif, but Richardson-Walsh failed to make her hat-trick.
The final drama came when GB’s Laura Unsworth was left clutching her face after being hit with Pilar Campoy’s careless high stick.
After three group matches played, GB’s women sit level with the US at the top of group B on nine points.
They will be back in action late this evening, playing a winless Japan squad at half past midnight.
