Hockey: Laura Bartlett scores double for team GB

TWO goals in as many minutes by Scot Laura Bartlett were the catalyst for Great Britain women’s 3-2 victory over the USA in the second test of a five-match series in San Diego.

The former Milne Craig Western stalwart, now playing with English Premier League side Reading, gave a practical demonstration of why she was recently named the British Olympic Association’s hockey athlete of the year.

GB have now completed the double over the Americans having won the first match 3-0, and again there was a considerable Scottish presence as Emily Maguire, Vikki Bunce (playing for the first time), and Bartlett were all in the starting line-up. The fourth Scot, Abi Walker, gave way to Leicester goalkeeper Maddie Hinch.

Despite a bright opening, it was the Americans who took the initiative in 21 minutes with a strike by Katie Reinprecht.

But, within minutes, Bartlett’s quick double had put GB 2-1 ahead. The first was the result of a good individual effort and, almost immediately, the Scot applied the finishing touches to a cross by Hannah Macleod.