Willis and Evans net a hat trick each to give GB Women a secure and safe 3 points from their first game despite very hot conditions and a waterlogged pitch.

Date: 05 September 2009

Pitch: Ying Fong Riverside Sports Park KO 09.30

Weather: Hot 36^o & humid with a short downpour in mid match.

GB v Japan

The entire team was well prepared and ready for this game. Once the game got under way GB started to attack and missed a few chances before the first goal came in 11 minutes by Evans with a cracking first touch. The players maintained control and were feeling more relaxed and in 17 minutes Willis put away her first goal of the day to make it 2-0. Japan fought back but GB held them at bay. GB got their third goal when Evans found the net again to make it 3-0 to GB. Soon after in 29 minutes GB was 4-0 up when Willis netted the fourth goal. Just before half time Japan got a free kick outside the box which was kicked toward the goal. Waters saw this and went for the ball but it slipped out of her hands and she dived to grab it again but a Japan forward pushed it over the line.

Half time score 4-1 to GB

The second half started as it finished with both teams attacking and at 55 minutes GB put on Wenman to replace Hogan. Wenman was to feed the forwards and GB launched attack after attack on the Japan goal. Japan pulled back to defend. GB put on Cross for Stancliffe in centre midfield. In 72 minutes Willis, who played outstandingly, got her hat trick to make it 5-1. Soon afterward Evans got her hat trick to make it 6-1. The whole team gave a good performance and there was a lot of good passing around which led to each goal. Head Coach McGowan said he is really pleased with the outcome of the players at the start of the tournament.

Full time score 6-1 to GB

Team: Carly Waters, Susanna Kenward, Esther Maycock, Annie Straw, Laura Wiseman, Louise Hogan (Wenman), Damaris Cooke, Clare Stancliffe (Cross), Sarah Page, Camilla Willis (Davies), Danielle Evans. Sub: Victoria Wenman, Clare Davies, Donna Cross