Great Britain rediscover winning feeling with much-needed Pro League victory over Belgium

The joyous celebrations at the final hooter told the story as Great Britain women’s Pro League campaign was finally enlivened with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Belgium, in only their second outright win in 10 matches in world hockey’s lengthy global competition.

This was a performance ­demanded by coach Mark Hager as second-half power strikes from Grace Balsdon and Lily Owsley moved the Olympic champions up to sixth in the standings.

Reaching the Pro League finals may still prove a step too far, but Owsley, who again shone in Hager’s side, admitted that the double-header weekend, which included a draw against Argentina on Saturday, was a turning point for Great Britain. This was Britain’s first win at home since June 2016.

Owsley said: “Mark says a lot that ‘losing is a habit, winning’s a habit’ and we have been in a rut of losing and it’s hard to come out of that ­cycle. It takes grit and we are learning in training that winning’s a habit and we have showed it over the last two games.

“It’s momentum for us, we are in the habit of getting points and we’re not going to stop now.”

The way in which the world No 2 side plundered their two goals suggested as much. Hager had stressed how Great Britain had mustered plenty of circle chances without the final product in previous matches. On Sunday, they finally made it pay, underpinned by 60 per cent possession, coupled with 33 circle penetrations to Belgium’s offering of 17.

The difference came courtesy of Balsdon’s powerful flick high into the net from a penalty corner in the 43rd minute. Ten minutes later, Owsley burst through the centre ranks and unleashed an unstoppable strike past the otherwise ­impressive Aisling D’Hooghe.

Owsley said: “I get myself into situations running into the top of the D, and I have Mark in my ear saying ‘pull the trigger, become a goalscorer’. It came off and hopefully this is the start now of getting into position and not being afraid to pull that trigger.”

Meanwhile, Great Britain men, fourth in the Pro League standings, were well beaten 4-0 by Belgium, the world champions.

In a side littered with outstanding talent, Belgium eased to victory thanks to a John-John Dohmen double and strikes from Florent van Aubel and Thomas Briels.