By The Hockey Paper staff
Great Britain 4 (Forsyth 8, Goodfield 11 & 43, Willars 33)
Australia 3 (Ockenden 28, Pollard 34, Wotherspoon 48)
Great Britain lifted the Azlan Shah Cup for first time since 1994 after beating Australia, the defending champions, in a thrilling finale in Malaysia.
No side from the British Isles had won the title since England won the Asian tournament 23 years ago.
But a resolute GB side took their opportunities when it mattered, prevailing over the nine-time champions 4-3 to start the Tokyo 2020 cycle in fine fashion.
Goals from Alan Forsyth and David Goodfield put GB into an early lead before Eddie Ockenden pegged one back, but Ollie Willars was on hand to extend the lead once again.
Joshua Pollard and Dylan Wotherspoon netted either side of Goodfield’s second goal of the game to herald a tense ending – but GB held firm to ensure a memorable victory for Bobby Crutchley’s side.
Scotland’s Alan Forsyth ended among the tournament’s top scorers with four goals.
Six players made their Great Britain debuts during this event; England’s Brendan Creed, James Gall, David Goodfield, Jonty Griffiths and Liam Sanford, plus Wales’ Kyriakides.
Team details
Great Britain: Harry Gibson (GK), Ollie Willars, Henry Weir, Ian Sloan (C), Brendan Creed, Dan Kyriakides, Liam Sanford, David Goodfield, Barry Middleton, Sam Ward, Mark Gleghorne
Subs (Used): Alan Forsyth, Phil Roper, Tom Carson, James Gall, Jonty Griffiths
Subs (Not used): Chris Wyver (GK), Chris Griffiths
