Two goals from Crista Cullen (pictured above) following penalty corners and a close range conversion from Susie Gilbert ensure Danny Kerry's team will be in the final on Sunday (May 6).

It was a fast start from Britain too, as they forced China to make mistakes, prompting the concession of a cheap penalty corner after just five minutes.

The first set piece of the game was duly converted by the ever reliable Cullen giving Britain the advantage.

The hosts were unable to make their play count though during the rest of the half, and despite a dominant showing, two penalty corners and some good chances, notably for Ashleigh Ball, they only went in 1-0 up at half time.

Cullen almost extended the lead early in the second period from another penalty corner, Yimeng Zhang proving equal to her effort though.

Helen Richardson, whose skill was a problem throughout for the Beijing 2008 silver medallists, almost created a second when she made her way into the circle before passing across goal, only for Laura Bartlett to fail to make contact.


It took until the final minutes for Britain to seal the win when Richardson again made her way into the circle, following a neat passing exchange on the right flank.

Her ball went into the box and deflected into the air, and in the ensuing scramble Gilbert pushed the ball over the line.

There was still time for Britain to win three penalty corners in a frantic finale, and it was a case of third time lucky for Cullen, who struck again at the death.

Britain captain Kate Walsh, said: "I think we started very positively today and dominated large parts of the game.

"We seemed to have more space to play in compared to yesterday and it was really good to see some of the work we do in training come off so successfully on the pitch."

Though he was pleased that his team played well, coach Kerry was disappointed that they were unable to make more of their chances.

"I felt we should have been in a commanding position by half time," he told insidethegames.

"I think some of it is execution and some of it is just scrambled defence by the Chinese."


China coach Kim Sangryul was philosophical about the defeat, pointing to conditions in Britain taking time for her team to adjust to.

"It is a beautiful ground, although a little bumpy," she said.

"It sometimes calls for different skills and tactically we should do something about playing there.

"We are in a different environment, with different food, a different culture and a different climate.

"But we must enjoy it and improve."

The next game Britain face is against world champions Argentina, who will be the sternest test yet, and whom they will play in the final if they avoid defeat in Saturday's (May 5) ame with the hosts.

They will have to be more clinical though against the Argentines, who boast a formidable defence which has yet to concede in this week's tournament.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2012: Riverbank Arena pitch will be perfect for the Games, says GB women's hockey coach
April 2012: Britain's Olympic women's hockey test event squad named