Great Britain’s women were defeated in the last minute by Germany in a seven-goal thriller in London. In a mirror of the men’s team the night before, Britain were 2-0 and 3-2 up, but Germany showed great resilience to take all three points with only 17 seconds remaining.
When the disappointment of defeat eventually subsides, Britain can take heart from their attacking play, with Tess Howard scoring her first two international goals and Izzy Petter also finding the net for the first time, assisted by young debutant Esme Burge.
Britain will reflect on a couple of opportunities to clear their lines that led to German goals, and while it was fantastic entertainment for the crowd, the players of course wanted more for their efforts.
Maddie Hinch returned in goal after almost a year away from the international game and while she did of course get a great reception, she will have wanted to win in her first game back. After all of their endeavour, it was cruel that the team did not even take a point but such is the harsh reality of the FIH Pro League, and our youngsters in particular will have learned plenty from this game.
Great Britain 3
Howard (10′, FG), (17′, FG), Petter (52′, FG)
Germany 4
Wortmann (26′, FG), Lorenz (40′, FG), Micheel (54′, FG), Stapenhorst (59′, FG)
Now Mark Hager’s side quickly get the chance to put things right on Sunday when they face Australia in a sold-out double header at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Great Britain: Hinch (GK); Unsworth, Pearne-Webb (C), Costello, Toman, Balsdon, Ansley, Robertson, Petty, Hunter, Burge, Evans, Martin, Townsend, Jones, Howard, Petter
Unused: Tennant (GK)
Courtesy of GB Hockey
