Two-goal Hawes sinks Pakistan: Tri-nation Hockey

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CANNOCK, June 7: Britain's short corner striker Ben Hawes struck twice in eight minutes to help hosts shock Pakistan 3-2 in tri-nation hockey tournament here on Monday.

Hawes scored off back-to-back penalty corners in 60th and 66th minutes to seal the victory. Guy Fordham scored the opening goal for the home team. Pakistan's defence which was impressive against Australia in their team's 2-1 win in the opening game, struggled as Britain forwards created several inroads in the last 15 minutes.

The hosts took full command in the last 13 minutes to score all the three goals. After sluggish start, Pakistan forged ahead in 16th minute on their first short corner. Sohail's flick was blocked by an onrushing British goalkeeper Jimi Lewis. But Sohail made no mistake on the rebound with a powerful hit.

Spearhead Kashif Jawwad doubled the score seconds before the interval when he finished off the job on a rebound from Lewis who blocked Sohail's attempt for the second time. Britain survived a scare when skipper Brett Garrard almost came near scoring a goal for Pakistan while giving Lewis a back pass.

The hosts reduced the margin in the 58th minute when Fordham scored on field effort after a goal mouth melee before Hawes jolted Pakistan with two superb goals. The match was the first encounter between the two teams since Sydney Olympics 2000 when Pakistan beat Britain 8-1 and their first in Britain since 1996.

Teams will now move on to High fields Hockey Centre, Nottingham, where second phase of the tournament will be played from Thursday with Australia taking in Britain. Pakistan face Australia the same day followed by a clash against Britain in last match of tournament. -APP

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