Goals from Lily Owsley and Helen Richardson-Walsh handed Great Britain a 2-1 win in the first of a two match test series with the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Owsley struck from open play in the 14th minute to give Danny Kerry’s side the lead but they were pegged back by Kitty Van Male’s leveller just before the break. Richardson-Walsh put Great Britain back in front just three minutes after the interval and that’s how it stayed until the full time whistle.
The first quarter was an even one with Caia van Maasakker’s penalty corner the clearest chance, but the Dutch were frustrated as some good defence from Great Britain snuffed out the danger. Just before the quarter time interval Danny Kerry’s side got their noses in front. Some quick thinking from Sophie Bray set up the chance, as the No19’s quickly taken free hit and driving run set up Owsley to slot home from close range.
Kitty Van Male levelled the scores just before the half time interval, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the circle to fire home after good work from Maartje Krekelaar
Great Britain started the second half strongly and with just three minutes gone in the third quarter they were ahead once again. Larissa Meijer could only parry Giselle Ansley’s penalty corner and Helen Richardson-Walsh was on hand to slot in the rebound, her 39th international goal.
The Dutch rallied and Maddie Hinch was called upon to make a fine save from a penalty corner to keep the score 2-1 going into the final quarter.
The last quarter was arguably the best for the homes side but Hinch denied Maria Verschoor twice before Van Maasakker rattled the crossbar with a penalty corner. GB then exerted pressure of their own and forced a corner. Another Ansley flick was well saved and despite the best efforts of the hosts Great Britain showed composure and maturity to play out the final minutes in the Dutch half and seal the win.
Danny Kerry, Great Britain Head Coach said “It was a slightly disjointed but winning performance. We can be better with the ball but we were defensively solid which won us the game. We’re looking forward to 48 hours time when I feel we will have made some good adjustments to our game”
The second match in the series takes place on 2 June at 1930 local time.
Report courtesy of England Hockey.
