Olympics Hockey: No ‘superstars’ needed for Great Britain as Holland looms

Great Britain women have twice met silence at these Olympics.

First over the last 10 days as they switched off social media to replicate Rio. Then on Tuesday, as silence outweighed any theatre atmosphere thanks to the empty Oi during the shoot-out. The four roars which bellowed out from the one-woman Maddie Hinch show told the story as Great Britain’s stay in Tokyo extended in another hockey moment to savour on the big stage.

While England and Great Britain have found it tough going in the Tokyo cycle, their continuous training at Bisham – aided by Kiwi Katie Glynn with her attack and PCA coaching – is beginning to bear fruits. The injury concerns for Hannah Martin are but a distant memory and the Dutch-bound 26-year-old has blossomed with each passing game in Tokyo.

Sarah Jones and Sarah Robertson, who has been drafted further up field on the left flanks, have also given GB impetus. Grace Balsdon’s corner rocket also added welcome armoury after the penalty corner battery carved a meagre 4/35 ratio in the Pool stages.

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