GB Women Stage Epic Comeback

Post published March 20, 2017

GB Women staged a fantastic comeback in the second of their friendlies against Belgium to draw 30-30.

GB played Belgium twice in Antwerp over the weekend, losing their first match 33-24.

GB trailed 13-19 at the break in their second match on Sunday after initially starting well. Belgium continued their momentum after half time to extend their lead to 26-17. However, GB showed great resolve, tightening-up in defence to deny Belgium any goals for 13 minutes, while hitting their opponents with a series of fast breaks that saw them score nine goals in the last 10 minutes. In a nail biting last minute GB even managed to take the lead, but then saw two players handed two-minute suspensions and gave away a penalty that allowed Belgium to equalise. Holly Lam-Moores top-scored with 10 goals, while Kathryn Fudge beat the keeper nine times, and Nina Heglund was on target eight times.

The previous day GB were left ruing a slow start as Belgium built up an early lead. GB got into their stride but trailed Belgium 13-18 at half time. The second half was a closer affair as GB matched Belgium goal-for-goal. However, the home side hit them with a late rush of goals. Zoe Van Der Weel scored eight goals for GB, while Nina Heglund and Kathryn Fudge both hit five, and Holly Lam-Mores found the back of the net four times.

Commenting on the weekend’s games GB Head Coach Thomas Brønd said: “I am of course very happy that we managed to achieve a draw after being nine goals behind. In the end we could have won the match, but this shows the progress we have made over the past 3 years. We have built momentum in the squad and we are now looking to progress back in to official international competitions. The whole squad contributed to the success and you can sense the progress. I am really proud of the squad and this has given them a real lift. A special thanks to our Belgian hosts and the club who hosted the matches in Antwerp – Uilenspiegel, both of whom showed us fantastic hospitality.”

Photo credit: Alain Decamps