Hockey World League: GB beat India to secure third place

Barry Middleton scored on his 350th international appearance

Great Britain secured a third-place finish in the World League tournament in Belgium with an emphatic 5-1 win over Asian champions India.

Alastair Brogdon touched in Dan Fox's shot from a penalty corner to make it 1-0 before Chris Griffiths deflected in Nick Catlin's pass to double the lead.

Ashley Jackson finished a good counter-attack to further extend the advantage.

Adam Dixon flicked in from a penalty corner and Barry Middleton fired home before Rupinder Singh's consolation.

The third-place play-off result came after GB's 3-1 semi-final defeat to world champions Australia on Friday.

A top-three finish in Belgium ensures qualification for next year's Olympics but Bobby Crutchley's side had effectively secured this already, with India already guaranteed a place in Rio.

"It was a very good performance," said coach Crutchley. "Considering it's the last game of a really tough tournament, to play with that intensity and control the game like that is very good.

"I'm proud of the players. It's nice to finish with a big win and it's our best display in a long time.

"We want to win these tournaments and although we qualified for Rio we wanted to be in the final here.

"We have a big challenge to get on a par with teams like Australia but we're certainly heading the right way."

Australia play hosts Belgium in the World League final later on Sunday.