Hockey: Robertson in the mood to atone for loss

The 19-year-old was one of the first in action for Team GB Down Under on day one as they took to the Sydney 2000 Olympic hockey pitches to take on Australia.

It wasn’t to be the dream start they had hoped for, though, as the hosts ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

With Great Britain having more than their fair share of possession the scoreline  flattered Australia, with Edinburgh University’s Robertson left ruing missed opportunities.

“We played three practice matches against Australia  before this competition and didn’t feel like we performed to the best of our ability but we performed much better in  the actual competition,” she said.

“Unfortunately the result didn’t go our way. We had our chances and we could have probably won the game. Initially the heat was a bit of a shock to the system.

“Team spirit is good and we’re all gelling together very well so although we haven’t got off to the best of starts everyone is desperate to turn our fortunes around as soon as we can.”

All is not lost for Robertson and co as they return to  the Sydney Olympic Park hockey pitches today to take on China.

And Robertson, a former student at Selkirk High School, is desperate to make up for the disappointment of losing their opener.

“I’ve never played against the Chinese before, I think they’ll be fast, skillful and unorthodox,” she added.

“The ultimate aim is to beat China, beat USA and then face the Aussies in the final again on Sunday and get the right result.”

n The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It works in partnership with sport National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values. www.olympics.org.uk