Danson's Team GB hockey side fall short in final (From Daily Echo)

Danson's Team GB hockey side fall short in final

8:40am Monday 6th February 2012 in General Sport

A GREAT Britain women’s hockey side featuring Southampton’s Alex Danson just lost out to hosts and favourites Argentina in the final of the Champions Trophy in Rosario.

The world champions dominated the first half and although Danny Kerry's side picked up the tempo after the break they were unable to create chances against a disciplined defence.

And had it not been for a number of good saves from Reading goalkeeper Beth Storry, particularly two from second-half penalty corners, the winning margin could have been greater.

But second place was the team’s highest finish in this tournament, contested by the world’s top eight, and shows they will be contenders for a medal at this summer’s Olympics in London.

Great Britain beat Argentina 2-0 in a warm-up event a fortnight ago but from the outset the South Americans took control and put considerable pressure on the visitors.

GB’s defence, which had not conceded from a penalty corner in the competition, held out until the 28th minute when Silvina D'Elia slapped a fifth set-piece of the game through the legs of Storry.

The goalkeeper redeemed herself with a good double from another penalty corner in last minute of half.

Leicester defender Crista Cullen, her side’s top scorer in the event, had GB’s best chance of the game from a corner shortly before that but her effort was deflected behind.

The second half began much more positively for Kerry’s side and they enjoyed more possession as Argentina consolidated their advantage but there was still no way through.

Storry made two further brilliant low saves from penalty corners but it was the other end of the pitch where Britain needed some inspiration and the hosts effectively minimised those opportunities.