Great Britain women’s hockey team have finally found winning ways after a bumpy start to the FIH Pro League. Prior to their 2-2 draw with China and then a convincing 3-1 win over USA, Great Britain had struggled to find form and were lying in eighth position.
But, a strong performance at Spooky Nook is a sign to captain Hollie-Pearne-Webb that the squad is gelling and the numerous new recruits are finding their feet.
“I feel like we are growing as a group, game-by-game, and seeing big improvements the more we are playing together. We are learning what different moments feel like in games and how we get through those patches or capitalise on them,” says the captain.
“We are also learning that anyone really can beat anyone in a one-off game.”
And this last point is something that all the FIH Pro League matches are demonstrating. There is never a clear-cut winner and rankings are not always indicative of how a match will pan out.
“I think teams are all going out to win at all costs and this has made it very exciting,” says Pearne-Webb. “In an one-off game people are hungry for the points. They know that, in most cases, they will have some time before their next game. As you can see, results can go any way and teams seem to be experimenting more with their tactics. It all makes for very exciting matches and games you are desperate to play in.”
One player who always excites the spectators with her mesmerising stick skills is midfielder Hannah Martin. She is bubbling with enthusiasm for the challenges presented by the FIH Pro League.
“It’s great, we are getting to travel all over the world playing the sport we love. Perth, in particular, I fell in love with. And winning against USA was a great feeling. Just playing alongside your teammates, who you train with day in, day out each giving their all is pretty special.”
Like her captain, Martin has enjoyed the all-out nature of the FIH Pro League matches: “Given they are one-off matches, it is a bit different to the tournament formats we are used to. I think this makes you scrutinise each of your performances more than you would normally as you have the time to do so. This ensures no stone is left unturned with regard to scouting and individual responsibility. It also puts pressure on you to perform to your best ability each game, as every game is a must win.”
Next up for Great Britain is a tough encounter with the world number four team Argentina. The South American giants have only lost once in the Pro League and currently sit in second place behind the Netherlands in the overall League table.
However, it is a fixture that holds no fear for Pearne-Webb or Martin.
“This was a group that needed international matches to grow and improve and that's what we are doing the more we play,” says Pearne-Webb. “I am very much looking forward to the next few games as we have seen big improvements so far from the first game.”
“I think the belief we have in each other is huge,” adds Martin. “We didn’t get off to the best start but we are taking important learnings from each performance and we certainly feel positive structurally moving forward. We are pleased with our performance against the USA, and are looking forward to taking on Argentina.”
