England triumph against Wales in Annapolis
England registered their first victory in the World Championship
after a real tussle with Wales.
Lois Richardson's team eventually triumphed 6-2, but at only
2-1 at half-time, their opponents made them work hard for
a win.
Lucy Lynch, the youngest member of the England team, led
with way with two goals, while Katy Bennett, Emily Garvey,
Felicity Hermsen and Ailsa Stott were also on the scorehseet
as Richardson's team won the second-half 4-1.
Laura Warren scored both of Wales' goals after assists from
Lucy Wray and Gemma Morgan respectively, but England performed
much better after the interval and deserved their victory.
"We really needed that win, it will be good for the
girls," said Richardson.
"The first-half was very close, but we came out in the
second half and played really well. We were in control."
Sarah Butt, known affectionately by her team-mates as Ritchie,
led from the front for England, while Alex Harle, another
experienced campaigner, also starred as the national side
dominated posession and controlled the midfield.
"Sarah and Alex were fantastic for us. I keep saying
it after every match, but their experience is a big factor
in the way we play," added Richardson.
"Wales were out to beat us, but we performed well, especially
after a tight first-half.
"It would have been a big shock if we had lost to them
because they've not beaten us for so long."
Wales manager Margart Corbitt was upbeat despite her side's
defeat and saw plenty of encouraging signs for her team to
build on for the remainder of the tournament.
"That was our best performance against England for a
long time," said Corbitt. "We had a great first
half but a lack of discipline in the second half cost us.
"It's the pool stages still, so there's time to reflect
and keep improving as the tournament goes on.
"We're taking one game at a time, so I'm not going to
make any predictions about where we'll finish just yet."
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