Mixed Fortunes For Great Britain As The London Leg Continues

The eagerly anticipated Great British leg of the FIH Pro League 2022/23 is now underway, and both the men’s and women’s squads are in action in the first mini tournament being held in London.

Following two mini tournaments in Argentina and New Zealand, the men’s side came into the London leg (two tournaments taking place between May 26 and June 21) second in the overall standings, with the women’s side sixth in the standings and each will have been looking to make further progress, ahead of finishing the seven country season tour and for those who like a sensible flutter, with so much action still to take place, you would probably get good odds on the outcome of the season from one of the sites to bet on hockey.

The women’s team hosted China last Friday, and despite China better dominating the encounter, Hannah Martin’s 39th minute goal gave the side a 1-0 victory, although their second game against Belgium saw the side suffer a 3-2 defeat to leave them fifth in the table despite goals from Grace Balsden and Giselle Ansley.

The men’s side hosted India in their Saturday based clash, and moved to the top of their table having secured a 4-2 victory following goals from Timothy Nurse, Thomas Sorsby, a sublime volley from Lee Morton and a final effort from Nicholas Bandurak. Further success followed in their second clash as they also faced Belgium. Goals from Stuart Rushmore and Jack Waller quickly established their advantage, before top scorer (six so far this season) Bandurak added a third in what became a 3-1 victory.

Their lead at the top of the table has now been extended to six points.

The women’s side are back in action against China this coming Friday, whereas the men face India the following Saturday.

The defeat to Belgian will have hurt as women’s head coach David Ralph had picked them out as ones of the sides to watch ahead of the tournament beginning.

“We are looking forward to getting started in London and taking advantage of the home crowd support. The tournament in New Zealand offered us the vital challenge of competing against Australia who are just above us in the rankings while London gives us a chance to see where we are at against the likes of Germany and Belgium.”

Men’s head coach Paul Revington will have been delighted with his sides own progress so far though.

“The squad performed well in New Zealand and we are in a good position in the standings ahead of the mini tournaments in London. I’ve really seen this squad grow over the last few years and I know that the squad will be wanting to continue their development. We aren’t going to be complacent though because we know how challenging the upcoming matches will be, but we will all be ready to show how far we’ve come as a squad.”

Fans will be waiting to see how the rest of the mini tournament plays out now.