Spirited Brits sink Germany at Four Nations

Having slipped to a 14-5 loss to China in their opening match, the Brits were fired up to claim their first points against old rivals Germany and raced to an early lead.

We expect a physical match against Germany so we tried to get in there first and show them we can be physical as well.

The Germans stuck to their guns and stayed within two goals throughout the opening three quarters.

But a number of well-taken goals in the final quarter saw the Brits move clear for the win.

While Germany’s Monika Kruszona top-scored with six, Ciara Gibson-Byrne and Angie Winstanley-Smith both grabbed four for the Brits while Alex Rutlidge helped herself to a hat-trick.

And British goalkeeper Rosie Morris admitted their precision in front of the cage had won them the game.

“We conceded too many goals really but there were massive positives in the way we attacked and scoring so many,” said Morris.

“I don’t remember the last time we scored 18 goals in an international.

“Whenever we play Germany we expect a physical match so we tried to get in there first and show them we can be physical as well.”

Great Britain 18 - 14 Germany (5-3, 5-5, 4-4, 4-2)

Great Britain: Ciara Gibson-Byrne (4), Angie Winstanley-Smith (4), Alex Rutlidge (3), Chloe Wilcox (2), Frankie Snell (2), Rachel Drabble (2), Vicky Bowen

Germany: Monika Kruszona (6), Claudia Kern (2), Mandy Zöllner (2), Claudia Blomenkamp, Anja Seyfert, Nina Wengst, Carmen Gelse

Canada score second victory in Manchester

Canada scored their second win in as many matches with an impressive 10-5 victory over World Championship silver medallists China.

Having been one of the few players not to find the net against Germany, Marina Radu scored four for the Canadians while Emily Csikos and Dominique Perreault both added two.

Canada also impressed in defence, not giving an inch to the lively Chinese attack and securing a fourth quarter shut-out as they secured the win.

China 5 - 10 Canada (3-4, 1-1, 1-3, 0-2)

Canada: Marina Radu (4), Emily Csikos (2), Dominique Perreault (2), Krystina Alogbo, Joelle Bekhazi

China: Liu Ping, Sun Yujun, Sun Yating, Ma Huanhuan, Sun Huizi