Crunch clash for hockey stars

OLYMPIC HOCKEY:

GREAT Britain’s women’s hockey team, featuring Oldham’s Nicola White, face a crucial encounter against Holland tonight.

Captain Kate Walsh returned from a fractured jaw as her side missed the chance to book a semi-final spot by losing 2-1 to China.

Walsh’s comeback — six days she was hit in the face by the ball — should have boosted the side but, in fact, they never really got going.

Meanwhile, GB’s men’s team came from 3–0 down to draw 3-3 against world number ones and favourites Australia last night. Reading winger Jonty Clarke’s cross deflected in off Australian defender Chris Ciriello to start the ball rolling in the second half and the comeback was completed by captain Barry Middleton, diving in to convert a penalty corner, and James Tindall four minutes from time.



ROYTON’S Joe O’Regan is expected to be in action for Great Britain’s men’s water polo team against Montenegro tonight.








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