Dashing British dash the hope of mighty Australians
There was no Balmy Army to fanatically support from stands but each British player turned out to be a soldier himself in the Mother of Battles against traditional tormentor Australia to garner unexpected but deserving 5-2 verdict at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on Day 3.
With a rare dash, the British team dashed the hopes of Australia topping the pool
The British win coming against their key players like Ashley Jackson and Barry Middleton, not in the line up, has literally lit up the new turf in the ongoing Hockey World League Finals.
Australia missed Chris Criello more than anybody in their line up.
Australia which almost struggled against Belgium – pity for them that two goals were negated on referral – but got away with a solitary goal win entered the field to salvage its prestige as the world’s number one team, but the British, who had a wonderful opener against Canada, seemed to have other ideas.
What turned the tide fro the British was the early goals, and the dash with which the team played. In fact, its not exaggeration if one states that the British did what Australians used to for others: A dashing game, physical assertiveness, quicker on the move, couple of new tricks to unleash in crucial matches.
Australia today showed how it lacks forwards who can fire and also PC expert who tilt the game. Agreed Chris Criello was rested, but it was, if today’s match is any indication, without a suitable replacement in place.
When in the ninth minute Hendry Weir struck an Australian reply was awaited, instead the strike band accelerated. Within four minutes, in a melee pierced the citadel guarded by Mark Knowles, Sam Ward taking the credit for increase the lead.
True to reputation, Australia replied through the first penalty corner it got (17th min, Jeremy Hayward).
Ian Sion made it 3-1 off the very first penalty corner the British earned. It was quite a tit for tat.
This was the turning point. Australians despite striking a goal in the 47th minute were contained by the British midfield. A couple of Jamie Dwyer’s shot agonising missed the target.
Eleven minutes before the whistle Phil Ropher added salt to the Australian wound.
Australia in fact got four of their six penalty corner when they were trailing 1-3, but inspired goalie Hary Gibson would not allow any damage.