Smashing start for Britain
year’s runners-up Britain started their campaign in the Sultan of Sultan of Johor Cup with a clinical 3-2 win over New Zealand at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru yesterday.
In another match, Japan surprised defending champions Australia with a 2-1 win.
Britain, who were champions in 2015, could have won the game easily but were rattled by the Kiwis after taking a two-goal lead.
But a goal in the 35th minute saw them clinch a narrow win.
Mathew Ramshaw scored from a field attempt in the fourth minute while Cameron Golden (12th) and Edward Way (35th) netted the other goals for Britain.
New Zealand scored through Maks Wyndham-Smith (23rd) and Jordan Ward (33rd).
Britain coach Jon Belby was disappointed with his team’s defensive display.
“Overall, we controlled the game and had more chances. We should have won by a bigger margin. We conceded soft goals.
"I hope to see a better performance against Japan tomorrow,” said Belby yesterday.
New Zealand coach Collin Bryce said a draw would have been a fair result.
“Yes, I would think we should have shared a point with them. We came back strongly in the second and third quarters. But they were a shade better in the end. We will try and improve further as we go along.” he said.
Britain 3 New Zealand 2; Australia 1 Japan 2; Malaysia 1 India 2.
Japan v Britain (4.05pm); India v New Zealand (6.05pm); Australia v Malaysia (8.35pm) — * Matches at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
RESULTS —