Huge wins for Britain, Belgium

Raipur, November 29 

World champions Australia were shocked 5-2 by Great Britain while Belgium spanked Canada 7-2 in high-scoring Pool A matches of the Hockey World League (HWL) Final here today.

The world No. 4 British side stunned Kookaburras by striking early when Henry Weir (9th) and Chris Grassick (13th) scored two field goals.

Drag-flicker Jeremy Hayward pulled one back for Australia in the 17th minute by converting a penalty corner. 

Six minutes later, Britain regained their two-goal lead when Ian Sloan scored from a set piece. Two minutes into the second half, Great Britain extended their lead through David Condon’s field strike.

Australia, known for their fighting spirit, tried to forge a strong comeback and scored a goal through Matt Gohdesin the 47th minute. To add to Australia’s wounds, Phil Roper (49th) scored another goal for Britain. — PTI

Oltmans want consistency from India players

Chief coach Roelant Oltmans feels it’s high time India shed their perennial habit of playing “up and down” hockey and maintain a level of consistency to produce results in international tournaments. “I am pleased with our performance against Germany but the big challenge is to maintain that level until the end of the tournament. We have seen in the past that sometimes we play very well and sometimes our performance is below par. It’s up and down,” Oltmans said on the eve of India’s match against Netherlands. “We are trying to be more focussed. Our aim is to score three goals in every match. So far we have scored only one.”

Results 

• Belgium bt Canada 7-2
• Britain bt Australia 5-2

Today’s matches

• India v Netherlands (6.30pm) 
• Argentina v Germany (8.30pm)

Live on Star Sport 1