Kent's own Susannah Townsend set-up the winning goal as GB's women's hockey team made a superb start to the Rio Olympics with a historic 2-1 win over old foes Australia in the early hours of Sunday.

The Canterbury star, 27, combined on the break with Holcombe forward Shona McCallin before teeing-up Alex Danson to smash home the winner midway through the second-half and seal a first ever win for the British girls over the Hockeyroos at an Olympic Games.

At the other end only a string of fine saves from Holcombe keeper Maddie Hinch kept the Australians out, though she was eventually beaten by a pin-point penalty corner strike from Georgina Morgan shortly after half-time.

Lily Owsley had opened the scoring for GB with a fine finish after a slick move four minutes before the break with McCallin again showing her class with a deft touch.

Holcs duo Sam Quek and Nic White were also in action for GB who play their second game against India on Monday night (10pm BST).

There was no such start for the GB men who were soundly beaten 4-1 in their opening game by Belgium.

Seven of the starting XI play for Rochester-based Holcombe, including Kent's own Ashley Jackson, but he was unable to make much of an an impact on a game the Belgians bossed for long spells on Saturday evening.

Jackson did tee-up an equaliser three minutes before half-time for Holcs teammate Nick Catlin who cut inside before unleashing a superb strike just inside the post from a tight angle.

However two goals in as many minutes in the third quarter blew the game open and despite the best efforts of Holcs keeper George Pinner it was four by the close and in truth might have been more.

Skipper Barry Middleton, Dan Fox, Iain Lewers and Sam Ward were the other Holcombe starters.

Middleton admitted: "They took their chances well and credit to them for that but it was a disappointing display from us.

“It wasn’t anything massive but we weren’t quite 100% all over the pitch and if everyone isn’t at the top level, that can add up and it certainly cost us.

“It was hot out there and it was hard work but it isn’t one of the hardest places we have played so no excuses there. Physically the conditions aren’t a worry for us and we are all fit enough to play 60 minutes of hockey in this heat.

“They played well and opened up the pitch superbly but we gave them a bit of space where we shouldn’t have done.

“One of the good things is that you get chances in this tournament so if you lose one, you are not out of it compared to the last Olympic Games where only the top two from the group went through.”

Chatham-born Jackson, 28, a former Sutton Valence School pupil along with Townsend claimed: "It was a fairly terrible to be honest. We didn’t really do anything. We didn’t string any passes together and we didn’t play to our game plan. Let’s hope that’s a big wake-up call for us and we can push on and be better next time.

“A loss at this stage means nothing but obviously we are disappointed with the performance to start the tournament off.

“Belgium controlled the ball well, they passed it to each other well and they moved well but we made it easy for them in their first game which is sad.

“The big thing now is to recover well and get ready for the next game that we really need to win.

“If we play like we did, it will be a struggle but if we are at our best, we can compete against anyone and that is where we need to be.”

The men seek to put their first points on the board when they face New Zealand at 9pm BST tonight (Sunday).

Canterbury-born equestrian legend William Fox-Pitt continued his fairytale recovery from serious injury with a superb dressage round to lead the individual eventing competition after the opening day.

Less than a year after being placed in an induced coma after a heavy fall in France, the 47-year-old, who grew up near Goodnestone, guided Chilli Morning through a dream round to lead the way with just 37 penalty points.

He admitted: “That ride was what I was dreaming of. Chilli is great on the flat and I did not want to let him down.

“In November I thought Rio was still months away but then I suddenly realised that Rio was just around the corner. I had lots of help with my rehabilitation and I saw more experts than I ever wanted to see.

“For me it was perfect timing and I am just lucky to be here. I am always wearing a top hat in dressage. I’ve done that for 33 years and I will not wear a crash helmet unless they change the rules and force me to.

“That is the biggest Olympic course I have ever walked – and I have seen some – but Chilli is great out there and I hope I’ll do him justice.”

The eventing competition continues with the cross-country on Monday with GB also sitting third in the team competition after the first day.