BALL FOCUSED ON CHAMPIONS TASK
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- Created on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 12:09
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 15:08
- Published on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 12:09
Ashleigh Ball believes Great Britain have given the Netherlands something to think about following their comeback Champions Trophy 2-2 draw with the world’s top women's hockey team in Rosario, Argentina.
GB play China tonight (1800) aiming to maintain their unbeaten start ahead of Thursday’s quarter-finals and Slough star Ball – who grew up playing hockey in her hometown of Cheltenham – is confident without being bullish.
The 25-year-old midfield ace said: “I think initially we were disappointed with our game against the Dutch. We went 2-0 down in the first half and didn’t play well.
“Then there was a feeling that we came back against them in testing conditions and intense heat.
“After a bit more time it dawned on us that we have given the Dutch something to think about, because we could have won. That will work to our benefit if we meet them again.”
GB missed two penalty strokes against the Netherlands but drew level thanks to two scorching Christa Cullen strikes following penalty corners.
Following today’s final round of pool matches, all eight competing teams will be seeded for Thursday’s quarter finals.
Ball – who attended St Edward's School in Cheltenham and played junior hockey for East Glos – said: “It’s a big year for hockey with the Olympics looming but we want a good Champions Trophy and that’s what we are focused on now. Equally we can only play the game in front of us and that is China, who I am sure will give us another tough test. The forecast is for it to be stormy, which may mean it is cooler than when we played the Dutch when it was 44 degrees.”
GB breezed to a 3-0 opening pool win over Japan, subsequently beaten 2-1 by China.
The Netherlands beat China 3-1.
Focused: Ashleigh on the ball (GB Hockey/ Frank Uijlenbroek)
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