A competent display by Great Britain saw them run out comfortable winners over India in a game which could have been won by more had it not been for the outstanding Indian goalkeeper.
Great Britain dominated the first half, creating a hatful of chances, but had to settle for a one goal lead at the break.
Charlotte Craddock and Chloe Rogers had good chances saved in the 12th and 15th minutes and the India goalkeeper pulled off good saves from Crista Cullen at corners in the 7th, 15th and 26th minutes. In the 18th minute the goalkeeper was beaten by a shot from Sarah Thomas but a defender on the line denied Britain the lead.
India only troubled Beth Storry in the GB goal once with a deflected shot that ultimately flew high over the bar.
In the 32rd minute GB were rewarded for all their pressure when Helen Richardson finished Britain’s fourth penalty corner of the half.
The second half was similar to the first as GB dominated the period, eliminating India with fast inter-passing and allowing opportunities on goal. In the 47th minute Sarah Thomas deflected past the post after a three man move from deep with the GB half.
Further chances fell to Chloe Rogers, Charlotte Craddock, Lucilla Wright and Jo Ellis before Wright converted Britain’s second from a well-worked deflection at a penalty corner in the 64th minute.
Even at the final whistle GB threatened to add to the scoreline without success.
Assistant Coach Craig Parnham said afterwards, “This was a strong performance where the team were allowed to play some set patterns and develop a good understanding of their play. It is a well-earned victory after creating a number of chances and had it been for better quality in the final third the scoreline would have been more convincing.”