Rio Olympics 2016: Great Britain's hockey teams have mixed fortunes in opening fixtures

Great Britain had mixed fortunes on the opening day of the Olympics as the women's team beat Australia after their male counterparts lost to Belgium.

The women's side, who won bronze at London 2012, led after Lily Owsley scored in the second quarter.

Georgina Morgan equalised from a penalty corner but Alex Danson grabbed the winner with a reverse-stick shot late in the third quarter.

The men's team were thrashed 4-1 by Group A rivals Belgium in Rio.

Nick Catlin levelled before half-time, but Belgium took command with three second-half goals.

Belgium, ranked two places below their opponents at sixth in the world, took an early lead through Jerome Truyens before Tanguy Cosyns, Simon Gougnard and Cedric Charlier sealed the win.

However, there was better news for Great Britain later on Saturday.

Danny Kerry's women's side have slipped to seventh in the world rankings after a disappointing Champions Trophy, but made an impressive start in Brazil by beating the third-ranked Australians.

With the introduction of a quarter-final stage, both sides only need to finish in the top four of their six-team groups to qualify.

Great Britain women's captain Kate Richardson-Walsh:

"It was a good three points for us. It was a difficult game and it was not pretty at times, but we stayed disciplined throughout.

"Australia are a fantastic side. They have strength all over the field and they will do very well in this tournament, so to get a win against them is definitely a great confidence booster."

GB goalscorer Lily Owsley said:

"To say we have been waiting for this game for a long time is an understatement. We have been waiting for it for four years so it is great to get the ball rolling with a win.

"As far as Saturday nights go, making my Olympic debut and scoring probably tops a Saturday night as a 21-year-old, so I am over the moon."

Great Britain men's captain Barry Middleton:

"Belgium took their chances well. Credit to them for that, but it was a disappointing display from us.

"We weren't quite 100% all over the pitch. If everyone isn't at the top level, that can add up and it certainly cost us.

"One of the good things is that you get chances in this tournament, so if you lose one, you are not out of it."

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