After a closely contested 0-2 loss at the hands of Great Britain A in the opening fixture of India’s preparatory tour of England on Tuesday, the Blueskirts were handed a thumping 0-6 defeat by the British first team, at Marlow, today.
Not even for a brief moment throughout the game did the Indian team appear to manage a grip on the proceedings. Great Britain took the lead as early as the 6th minute by virtue of a well-worked field goal by Joie Leigh. Their second came off a deflected penalty corner in the 13th minute, off the stick of defender Giselle Ansley.
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The 28th minute saw India concede a third goal from another poorly defended penalty corner, Leicester’s Crista Cullen with the convert this time. The home side were up 3-0 as we headed into half-time.
Three second-half goals in six minutes
As the action resumed in the second half, there was no respite for the hapless Indians with their opponents scoring three more within a span of six minutes. Midfielders Helen Walsh and Susannah Townsend struck in the 40th and 43rd minutes respectively, before their compatriot Shona Mccallin finished off a humiliating 6-0 rout with the final goal in the 46th minute.
Prior to the tournament, coach Neil Hawgood had emphasized how penalty-corners are a major area of concern for the team’s defence. After today’s result, it is evident that this Indian side needs a lot of work on their outfield gameplay as well, if they are to improve matters ahead of their upcoming matches.
