Women's hockey: India waste 2-0 lead, held by Britain

India frittered away a 2-0 lead and were held by Great Britain in their last match of the women’s hockey team’s tour of England, in Marlow, on Friday.

Goals by Navjot Kaur (8th minute) and Gurjit Kaur (48th) put the visitors high in the saddle, but Elizabeth Neal (55th) and Anna Toman (60th) scored in the last few minutes to earn the home side a draw.

India ended the tour with yet another draw against a relatively stronger Great Britain side, performing exceptionally well during the five matches. They won one, drew three and lost one.

After losing for the first time on the tour in their previous match, the Indians started the match on an attacking note, and pushed the hosts back into their own half, creating a host of opportunities inside the opening 10 minutes. The constant pressure on Great Britain's defence saw India get the breakthrough in the eighth minute as forward Navjot slotted past home team goalkeeper Sabbie Heesh.

The first quarter belonged to India as they had a couple of more chances to extend their lead, but could not convert penalty-corners.

However, the second quarter saw a keen tussle between the teams. Great Britain earned as many as three penalty-corners before half-time, but were thwarted by India goalkeeper Savita Punia, who made her 200th appearance for the country.

Both the teams had similar chances in the third quarter, but it was India who dominated possession. However, some resolute defending by the experienced British backline meant that the visitors were denied on multiple occasions.

It was only in the 48th minute that India extended their lead as Gurjit found the back of the net from a penalty-corner.

With less than six minutes to go, Great Britain were awarded another penalty-corner, and this time Elizabeth converted to pull a goal back in the 55th minute.

It was a nervous last five minutes for the Indians, but after keeping the hosts at bay on multiple occasions, their defence finally wilted.

Great Britain got a penalty-corner, and Anna Toman converted from it to earn her team a 2-2 draw.