ODIHAM hockey star Alex Danson is hitting her stride ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games.

The London 2012 bronze medal winner scored a stunning hat-trick as Great Britain beat New Zealand 4-3 in the women’s Hockey Champions Trophy.

The Champions Trophy, held at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, is the last major tournament ahead of next month’s games in Rio de Janeiro, and the win marked their first of the tournament and handed GB fifth place in the competition.

Danson’s treble, in addition to a strike from Lily Owsley, was enough to see them gain their first win following a string of disappointing losses.

The win also meant that despite goals from Anita McLaren, Olivia Merry and Kelsey Smith, New Zealand, nicknamed the Blacksticks, were condemned to the wooden spoon.

Danson said: “It was a fantastic game. Thank you to everyone who has come out and supported us this week. I don’t think anyone has lost faith in us and we haven’t lost faith in ourselves.

“To have a fantastic atmosphere like that on our home turf in the Olympic Park is pretty special. After a hard week we are delighted to come away with that last win.”