Hockey: Britain bewildered: Laslett suffers broken nose

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Great Britain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

GREAT BRITAIN had few answers to the power of the host nation, Pakistan, on the opening day of the six-nation Champions' Trophy men's tournament yesterday, writes Bill Colwill from Lahore.

Pakistan enjoyed a splendid start with a goal from Kamran Ashraf inside two minutes. With Soma Singh, who had set up Britain's opening attack, caught out of position, the skilful centre-forward scored from close range.

Muhammad Shahbaz dived in to touch home a long corner in the 21st minute, but Britain regrouped, and forced a penalty corner in the 25th minute, which Russell Garcia dragged high into the roof of the net.

With Jason Laslett working hard in midfield, Britain had the better of the next 30 minutes before conceding two late goals, Shahbaz and Ashraf again doing the damage. However, Laslett was taken to hospital during the second half with a broken nose. Britain play Germany tomorrow.

GREAT BRITAIN (v Pakistan, yesterday): D Luckes (East Grinstead); P Bolland (Hounslow), J Halls (Old Loughtonians), J Laslett (Teddington), Soma Singh (Southgate), S Nicklin (Teddington); D Williams (Havant), J Shaw (Southgate), R Thompson (Hounslow), R Garcia (Polo Barcelona), B Crutchley (Hounslow). Substitutes used: C Mayer (Cannock), P McGuire (Teddington), R Davis (Harleston Magpies).