South Africa had conceded fifteen goals in the two previous matches and when they met Great Britain’s men in Pool B in Beijing this evening, we might have expected an easy victory. But Great Britain were not playing at their best and South Africa made them work hard for their goals. Ironically, the player who most stopped GB from notching up a respectable score was one familiar to followers of the Slazenger League in England – recently promoted Southgate’s Chris Hibbert, who was keeping goal for his country. Britain’s first goal came from James Tindall, blamed by some for his side’s defeat against the Dutch on Wednesday, who neatly chipped the ball over an out-rushing Hibbert and into the back of the net. But South Africa were allowed far more possession than they deserved and for much of the first half, both sides were in with scoring chances.
Early in the second half, Jonty Clarke, a continual threat down the left side, had a shot saved off the line, and at the other end Geoff Abbott managed to sky a shot at goal. Tindall was threatening again, forcing his way into the circle and causing a defender to lift the ball dangerously, as was Barry Middleton who was pushed to the ground in front of goal. But GB’s penalty corner taking was well under par and neither of the corners that resulted were converted. South Africa had a good scoring chance during a scramble in front of goal but South Africa started to tire and a second GB goal looked inevitable. James Tindall had a shot at goal saved by Hibbert and Rob Moore was denied by Hibbert’s glove. With under five minutes left, GB’s efforts got their due deserts. Skipper Ben Hawes forced his way up the back line and delivered a pin-accurate pass for Matt Daly to tap in. Final score 2-0 to Great Britain.
This was possibly GB’s poorest performance from the three matches, but a win is a win, and it moves the side into third place behind Australia and the Netherlands. GB men are next in action on Sunday when they play Canada.
Elsewhere in Pool B, Pakistan continued the trend at these Games for the team opening the scoring to lose the match. Shakeel Abbasi had scored in the sixteenth minute against Australia but goals by Grant Schubert, Jamie Dwyer, and Travis Brooks, gave Australia the three points. Dutchman Taeke Taekema scored a hat-trick in his sides 4-2 win over Canada, one coming from the penalty spot.
In Pool A the table is taking on a surprising complexion, with Spain out in front after their third win. They beat China 2-1. New Zealand move into second place after a 4-2 victory over Belgium, and Germany drew against Korea, pushing the world champions down into third place.
Great Britain’s women, who will be playing Japan tomorrow evening, will be without the services of Jennie Bimson (pictured). She has been forced to withdraw from the squad due to a torn calf muscle. He place will be taken by Laura Bartlett. Under the tournament rules Jennie will not be permitted to rejoin the squad even if she makes a full recovery.
Full results and tables appear on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk
