Teddington-based Ashleigh Ball played her part as Team GB's hockey women got their Olympic campaign off to the perfect start on Sunday evening.

The 26-year-old Brighton-born midfielder was in the starting line-up for the 4-0 hammering of Japan at the Riverbank Stadium in the Olympic Park.

"Support was quality down at the Riverbank arena today, good start!!," she tweeted.

 

The hosts, who are now joint top of Group A with China, raced ahead as Alex Danson struck after seven minutes to set Team GB on their way to victory.

Sarah Thomas added a second before Sally Walton found the net and Danson fired her second as Great Britain stormed to a 4-0 lead by the break.

With the game beyond Japan they looked to restore some pride but the classy British side were as solid defensively as they were ruthless in attack.

Team GB move on to face Korea on Tuesday (July 31) with the top two teams in the group progressing to the semi-finals.