Hockeyroos Edged by Great Britain in Rio Opener

Published On: 7 August 2016

Hockey: Australia 1 – 2 Great Britain – Day 1

Athlete: Kathryn Slattery

Venue: Olympic Hockey Centre

 

The Hockeyroos have lost their opening fixture of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games 2-1 to Great Britain on Day 1 of competition.

In a tight match, Great Britain opened the scoring, after converting a field goal opportunity through Lily Owsley on 26 minutes to take the lead into half time.

Australia struck back early in the third quarter, through a Georgina Morgan penalty corner before an arm-wrestled again ensued, with both sides resolute in defence and struggling to create clear goal scoring opportunities.

Great Britain earned a series of penalty corners late in the third term, and finally made their pressure tell, when Edwina Bone was yellow carded for a foul outside the circle.

GB’s persistence paid off, when Alexandra Danson expertly fired home from a tight angle on the reverse, following 43 minutes of play.

Australia battled manfully in the last quarter but couldn’t budge Great Britain’s defence. The group must now look ahead to their next match with the USA.