Jackson and men’s team have it all to do in last group game
There have been mixed fortunes for GB's hockey teams in Rio as the pool stages draw to a close. The British men face a crucial game against Spain tonight (Friday, 9pm BST) to stand any chance of qualifying for the last eight and a chance of a medal after losing 2-1 to Australia in their fourth game in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday). Goals from Aran Zalewski and Jacob Whetton sunk Bobby Crutchley’s team despite a penalty corner conversion from former Sutton Valence schoolboy Ashley Jackson two minutes from time. The defeat left GB fifth in a group with just four qualifiers and needing to better New Zealand’s result against tabletoppers Belgium – the game which follows the GB v Spain clash in Deodoro. George Pinner, GB and Holcombe keeper, said: “It was frustrating to lose. We came out wanting three points and nearly salvaged a draw at the end there. “It is disappointing but it is the first time in this tournament we have put up a proper performance and that is something we can build on going into our game against Spain.” A 4-1 defeat to Belgium in their opening game, secured despite a stunning strike from Holcombe’s Nick Catlin, was followed by a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, which saw GB skipper Barry Middleton on the scoresheet. They did crush Olympic debutants Brazil 9-1 on Tuesday night, with Middleton, Jackson and Sam Ward all on target. In stark contrast to the men, GB’s women ensured they progressed through their group with two games to spare after winning their opening three matches. A 3-2 victory over Argentina on Wednesday night secured their place in the last eight. GB had overcame old foes Australia 2-1 last Saturday night with former Sutton Valence pupil Susannah Townsend setting up the winning goal. They beat India 3- 0 on Monday. Having already qualified from the group, GB were due to take on Japan last night (Thursday) and the USA tomorrow (Saturday, 10pm).
Tonbridge AC’s Tom Bosworth goes for Olympic glory in Rio tonight (Friday) in the 20k race walk. He said: “I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to it all but the thought of being on the start line is the one that keeps coming back to me. I have done everything I possibly could to give myself the best chance.” The 26-year-old, who was born in Sevenoaks, is in action at 6.30pm BST.
Maidstone-born Jack Green gets his Olympics under way on Monday in the heats of the 400m hurdles. The semi-final is the following night with the final on Thursday. Green said: “The best case scenario for me would be making the hurdles final and picking up a medal in the relay. Both are possible but will require me to really step it up when it counts.” Ditton A .............. 9 Ditton D ............ 10 Clare Park ......... 10 Loose D .............. 8 KCO .................... 9 Ditton E............... 8 Bearsted F ........ 11 TandG B ........... 11 Headcorn B ...... 11 Lenham C......... 11 Maidstone E ..... 10 Maidstone D..... 11 Hunton B .......... 11 6 316 216 43 7 375 299 36 5 283 275 34 3 239 270 20 3 253 317 19 1 227 316 11 8 439 316 45 5 346 345 34 6 367 350 32 5 331 343 31 5 315 349 31 5 345 365 30 4 276 351 25