King’s Lynn’s Danny Kerry admits pressure is on Great Britain women’s hockey team at London 2012 Olympics
King's Lynn's Danny Kerry admits the pressure is on the Great Britain women's hockey team to perform at this summer's Olympics following their silver medal at the Champions Trophy.
Britain's bid to win the competition for the first time ended in disappointment as they lost 1-0 to hosts and favourites Argentina in Rosario on Sunday night.
Head coach Kerry, a former KES pupil and player with the Pelicans club in King's Lynn, said: 'I thought Argentina played very well.
'They defended well, they didn't create too many opportunities and their defence held out. We started to get back into it in the second half but it wasn't to be.
'We won four, drew one and lost just one in a major world level tournament. We've made history tonight winning the silver medal.
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'We know where we need to improve and we will go forward and work on those areas.
'We have set ourselves high standards and I have to match the standards that the players have set themselves. That is the pressure I feel going into the Olympics.'
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Britain beat Argentina 2-0 in a warm-up event a fortnight ago, but the world champions dominated the first half. 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 Reading goalkeeper Beth Storry.
Although 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 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.
Captain Kate Walsh admitted the team were hugely disappointed to lose the final.
'I am proud of the team tonight,'' she said. 'We're devastated not to have won. Argentina took their chance well but all in all it's a disappointment. But, it will fuel us on our way to London.
'It was a great crowd and a great atmosphere. We thrive and get excited playing in front of a big crowd; hopefully we can get the same support at home in the Investec London Cup, the Olympic Test Event and at the Olympic Games.''
