Andrew Meredith’s Irish Men’s team shared the 2 match test series with Germany at the weekend.
In the first test match Ireland defeated reigning Olympic Champions Germany 3-2 in Heilbronn in front of almost 3,000 spectators. Ireland took the lead in the 4th minute when Pembroke Wanderers man Alan Sothern found the net.
Phelie Maguire extended the lead for the Green Machine in the 55th minute before Germany reduced the deficit through Rurher in the 58th minute. It didn’t take long for Ireland to respond though and within a minute of the German goal, UCD’s Shane O’Donohue struck to regain the two goal advantage.
A German comeback seemed on in the closing minutes as Fuchs reduced the score yet again but the Green Machine had enough left in the tank to hold on for a welcome and marvellous victory.
Second Test:
Ireland 2 (Watt,Good) Germany 5 (Seekers, Rurher, Deeke, Grambusch, Windfeder)
In the second of the the two test series Germany defeated Ireland by 5-2. Three German goals in a 4 minute spell either side of half time was the difference between the sides. Germany took an early lead when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 11m with Seekers converting from the spot. The next period was evenly matched with both sides creating chances but no further goals. It looked as if Germany would take a narrow 1-0 lead as the half concluded but instead 2 quick goals in the dying minutes from open play Rurher in 33m and Deeke in 34 had Ireland 3-0 down an uphill challenge for the second half. Germany started the second half as they finished the first with Grambusch making it 4-0 in 36m. Mikey Watt got a goal back with a field goal in 41 mins to make it 4-1. GER made it 5-1 on 53 mins with a penalty corner by Windfeder. Kyle Good finished the scoring in 66th min to make final score 5-2 to GER.
