Britain’s women’s hockey team qualified to the quarter finals after a 2-0 win against Japan last night.
As with all of GB’s fixtures so far, the three Surbiton Hockey Club players in the squad, Giselle Ansley, Hollie Webb and Georgie Twigg, were involved against the Japanese.
It was a professional performance from the European Champions, who have looked assured in these opening stages and shown real medal-winning form.
The Japanese were dealt with in a typically professional manner, going ahead in the fifth minute when Lily Owsley’s cross was turned into her own net by Miyuki Nakagawa.
A second goal threatened in the opening quarter, with drag flick specialist Ansley only denied by the Japanese defenders frantic efforts.
Looking to upset Danny Kerry’s team, the Japanese came out quickly in the second quarter, forcing two penalty corners, which keeper Maddie Hinch had to be alert to.
Twigg had the clearest chance of GB’s second quarter, forcing Hinch’s counterpart Sakiyo Asano into a brilliant save.
The third quarter saw both teams trade chances. Susannah Townsend would have been disappointed she couldn’t find Alex Danson with a cross after a mazy run through the defence.
Trying to make the win safe, GB increased the pressure during the final 15 minutes, and found the back of the net via the stick of Helen Richardson-Walsh before the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.
The second goal eventually arrived five minutes from the conclusion of the match courtesy of Nicola White, who plucked the ball out of the air and volleyed home.
The British team have one final group game — against the USA who also have a 100% record so far — on Saturday at 10pm.
The winner will qualify top and face the easiest quarter final draw.
