Defending champions Great Britain stumped Pakistan 5-1 yesterday and
bounced back after their opening match defeat against India in the Sultan of
Johor Cup at the Johor Hockey Stadium.
The Britons got off the blocks with an impressive attacking mode play to
take a 3-0 lead just before the end of the first quarter.
It was a great comeback for Great Briton, four-time champions and eyeing
their fifth title, who went down 2-3 against three-time champions India last
Saturday.
Henry Markham (fourth and 14 th minutes) and Jonny Sturch Hibbit (5 th and
55 th ) scored a brace while Kasen Draysey (53 rd ) added one via a penalty
stroke. Pakistan replied a goal through Abdul Hannan Shahid from a
penalty corner.
India led the table standings with six points, followed by Australia (4) while
Great Britain moved up to third spot (3), ahead of Pakistan in fourth spot
(3), Malaysia in fifth spot (1) and New Zealand at the bottom.
Jon Bleby, Great Britain head coach said: “It was a good game tonight, really
exciting. It was tough for Pakistan, you know, with a scoreline 5-1. I thought
we defended well, but Pakistan will be a bit disappointed because I thought
they played really well as well.”
“We’re looking forward to a rest day as we’ve got a big game against
Australia next. So, we love playing Australia, always a bit of an Ashes battle.
“Last year we defeated them twice, once in a group game and once in the
final. So, we’ve got obviously good memories of that. I’ve never seen an
Australian team or never played against an Australian team that’s easy to
beat.”
“So, we know it’ll be a tough match, but that will give the boys a lot of
confidence,” added Bleby.
Pakistan head coach Kamran Ashraf, said: “Great Britain were much more
organized, much more disciplined in hockey. Initially, they pressed us and
scored two goals. But in the third quarter, we came back, followed our
structure, and got a stroke, but we didn’t convert it.
“That was the turning point. Somehow, we got some short corners, but we
didn’t convert them as well. So, I think Great Britain is more hockey-
disciplined and more organized on the field. We also got one yellow card,
which was a bad impression because we lost another score during that
yellow card. So, these are some silly mistakes that cost us this game.”
