Reading hockey ladies help GB into Champions Trophy final
Shakila Barabhuiya • Published 5 Feb 2012 09:30
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READING goalkeeper Beth Storry made her 100th international appearance as Great Britain made it through to their first ever Champions Trophy final last night (Saturday).
GB beat Germany 2-0 in a semi-final that was played in scorching temperatures of 40 degrees in Argentina.
A goal in either half from Welshwoman Sarah Thomas and Slough's Ashleigh Ball propelled Great Britain into what proved to be an unassailable lead in Rosario.
GB began brightly with Reading's Alex Danson thwarted early on by the quick thinking of Yvonne Frank in the Germany goal and she threatened again in the 10th minute before the breakthrough three minutes later.
Captain Kate Walsh saw her penalty corner flick saved by Frank, whose clearance only went as far as the edge of the circle.
Laura Bartlett's ball to the back post found Sarah Thomas, who seemed to have an age to line up her shot, which she coolly squeezed through the goalkeeper's legs to put Great Britain 1-0 up.
Just three minutes into the second half and from their second penalty corner, Great Britain extended their lead when Ball reacted superbly to Cullen's wide shot to knock it into an unguarded goal.
Great Britain captain Kate Walsh said: "We knew it would be a tough game and we knew we had to concentrate and be disciplined. We took our chances well, we were clinical and I'm proud of the team for this."
Great Britain will take on world champions and hosts Argentina in the Champions Trophy final tonight (Sunday), which will be shown live on the BBC red button at 11pm.
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