When it comes to great sporting rivalries, few are as long established as that between England and their colonial cousins, Australia. From the Ashes, to Rugby, and many more as well, it’s always all to play for and more between the big and the little island on opposite sides of the world. And in the world of Inline it’s no different. In fact this is where one could argue it may be its most acute, the two original inline masters sides having exchanged wins and losses on an almost alternating scale since the beginning of the championships 14 years ago. This year’s clash perhaps could be the pinnacle, as both teams come to the 2024 Inline Hockey masters boasting their best sides ever, and meeting each other with a win each to start the tournament. GB and AUS have exchanged honours back and forth over the years, though GB have had the better standings in the tables, the Aussies have beaten them in several head to head matches, notably in Anglet, France 2012, and then in the Brunico years of 2016 and 2017, the Aussies were inspired, pipping the Union Jack shield in the tables both years. So this year’s masters clash carries the bragging rights, and perhaps it only remains for some clever person to bestow upon this unique rivalry with its own special name, perhaps the colonial spoon? Perhaps we need to burn a stick and put the ashes in an urn…. if that’s not already used. In this years clash, the promise was there for both teams at the start, with the Aussie number 16, Ryan Annesley making great space and chances going forward from the first face-off. GB started off cooler and more composed while Aussies broke on their shores with wave after wave of spirited attacks. But the counter punch from the sublime GB forward, Karl Niamatali wearing number 4 was always able to penetrate with pace. GB settled after the first wave, and keeping nice shape when in attack, and making chances more than taking them. The first 5 mins the play was end to end, with both teams on full gas. When Annesley cam on shift, there was a noticeable momentum shift to the Aussies, and we witnessed some pure creative class from the number 16. But despite the pressure waves GB defensive strength remained a key asset, and keeping cool while their outstanding keeper Tanner used his glove like a ninja to save a fierce shot at 12:42 in the first. But the Aussies continued to punch through from time to time, not really clean but always very quick. When Annesley wasn’t taking a crack, the Leftie from Sydney wearing 68, Michael Haynes too to breaking through dangerously. Time and time again GB defence was really being tested, but Scott Glover (23) demonstrating a defensive masterclass to his hometown Hallamshire Hornets. Jeff Stamborski (50) and Nick Jones (13) make a sandwich of Niamatali at 8:28 for GB power play, sending all players to the bench for a tactical TO. Followed a big shout for trip on Niamatali at 7:37 where Annesley sits for the 2nd GB Advantage. Moments later, the dam breaks and Niamatali scores from the slot with a wicked wrist shot. GB remained on top, with Boswell (88) making things Increasingly physica, allowing 91 Ash Leach to attempt a very viable snipe from centre. The big Aussie break back only just quashed by Tanner save at 4:30. Niamatali seemed immune from the wasp stings he receives while fluttering through Aussies white and gold hornets nest. And when Annesley did jump on again, the pendulum again swung back their way, with a tidy wrap around attempt just missing. When he’s on, there is noticeable difference in Aussies. The Big Aussie D-man number 3, Adams stepping up as well, by taking a shot that confused Tanner, as it may have gone between his back and pipes, and a huge sigh released from the very vocal crown over at the Joker floor arena. Aussies were determined to take something to their bench before the half, andJeff Stamborski (50) just unable to capitalise on a golden open net chance with the energy of last minute of the 1st half at max! GBs James Goodman (11) sits for an interference call which seemed more pace than intention at 30s left. But they managed to hold until the half time buzzer and go to the bench with a 1-0 advantage. In the 2nd half, Australia started with the advantage and the better chances, but Tanner seemed to have a golden glove, meaning that when GB came back to full strength, momentum changed back to favour dark blue uniforms. There was an unreal turnover chance by the other Hallamshire Hornet, number 10 SIMON HUGHES at 15:40, where the pressure started to fall in the Aussie half. Then Big Aussie Adams cleared when he could, and made a solo run, but was denied again by Tanner. The tension kept on rising, with some increasingly heavy hits coming in, much to the delight of the crowd, now at fever pitch. Adams then went for a spin, costing GB’s 91 Ash Leach to sit for Interference. Aussies came on strong then, but more with pace than pressure. Then up steps the indefatigable Niamatali with an unbelievable short handed goal taking on 2 defenders and taking two chances to score, putting GB up by 2-0. Now GB was in desperation defence mode, while the physicality ramped and the GB boys recreate the Dunkirk retreat. The Aussies were in a shark-like feeding frenzy, so the whistle at 6:20 was a welcome relief. Following the face off, Oscar Wrightman, the GB captain from Leicestershire wearing 29 picked up lose puck on the turnaround, and took, not on, not two but three bites to score on the floor, taking the scoreline to 3-0. By now the atmosphere in the rink was buzzing, so when Aussie number 13 Nick Jones rightly protested a stick to his face, its failure to result in a penalty fired up the baggy greens. Adams stepped up with some chances, but by now GB were in control mode. An Aussie broken stick symbolic at nearly the last face-off was symbolic of the spirit of these Aussie battlers. One last blast for Australia came with 5 minutes left when GB exploited and created a breakaway and the hat trick for Nimatalli on receipt of the feed from Wrightman and pot the final goal of the match. Deacon (13) missed wide open shot at 3:46, which was the final stick that poked the Rolleroos to step up for their best run of play in the game, but all too late for the Aussies as GB played it smart from then and held well to stifle the last Aussie push. The final score GB4-AUS 0. Another great rivalry between two teams at their best ever yet performance at the masters. Aussies can and will bounce back, and could yet see themselves battling for higher placement, which is where this talented side really belongs. GB players and fans were elated, to be seeing themselves at the top of the table on day three at the masters, and it looks like they have everything it takes to go all the way. Just one obstacle remains for this side that is still shut out in the tournament, the gold medal holding titans of the USA. GB have upset lady liberty before, so no doubt they will be in high spirits for their trans Atlantic clash. Join us live!