Hockey: Brits happy to make history in Argentina

Danny Kerry, Great Britain women’s head coach, was disappointed to see his side lose the final of the FIH Champions Trophy 1-0 to hosts Argentina in front of a patriotic capacity crowd in Rosario, but took heart from the overall achievement of his squad.

Kerry’s side, seeded fourth in the international rankings, finished above both world No 1 side the Netherlands and Germany, ranked third, and his charges contested a world level final for the first time in the history of Great Britain women.

Kerry said: “Argentina played very well. We started to get back into it in the second half, but it wasn’t to be. We’ve made history tonight by winning the silver medal though. We won four, drew one and lost just one in a major world level tournament.”

Kate Walsh, the Great Britain captain, said: “I’m proud of the team, but we’re devastated not to have won.

“Argentina took their chance well, but it’s a disappointment. It will fuel us on our way to the London Olympics though.”

The Scots in the squad can come away from Rosario with quiet satisfaction, Emily Maguire’s game has matured during the course of the tournament and she seems set in the starting line-up in defence, while up front Laura Bartlett was deeply involved in many of GB’s attacking moves. Although goalkeeper Abi Walker did not get much pitch time, her performance between the posts in the drawn pool match against the Netherlands could well have secured her back-up position behind Reading’s Beth Storry.

Walsh remarked on another important feature for the forthcoming Olympics. “It was a great crowd and atmosphere in Rosario. Hopefully we can get the same support at home in the Investec London Cup, the Olympic test event and the Olympics.”