Nervy final sees Team GB into hockey semi-final (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Nervy final sees Team GB into Olympics hockey semi-final

8:51pm Tuesday 7th August 2012 in Sport By Tim Ashton

Great Britain are through to the semi-finals of the Olympic hockey tournament after a nervy 1-1 draw with Spain.

Wimbledon’s Ben Hawes and team mates James Tindall, Matt Daly and Rob Moore from Surbiton must now await their fate – they will face either Germany or Holland on Thursday for a shot at the gold.

Under dark clouds which threatened heavy rain all evening, GB took the lead 31st minute when Ashley Jackson converted a penalty corner.

It calmed a nervous crowd who could enjoy a party atmosphere at half-time, but nervy times returned after the break when Pau Quemada converted a Spanish penalty corner for 1-1.

A series of penalty corners were defended by GB in the closing minutes and twice a penalty corner was awarded before the referees conferred and reversed the decision.

The scenes of jubilation that greeted the final whistle could probably be heard in Spain such was the huge relief.