Irish Hockey Silver in Champions Challenge 1

Congratulations again to Ireland’s women’s hockey team who secured silver in the Champions Challenge I tournament  after they were defeated 3-1 by USA who secured gold.
Ireland went into this tournament ranked 7th, competed against 4 world cup teams and secured 2nd place, a testament to the skill and talent of this team.

Ireland competed well from the start opening up the scoring in the 3rd minute from an unconventional corner routine which paid off, Captain Megan Frazer with the raised shot which was batted down and in by striker Emma Smyth to make it 1-0.

Both sides battled hard but the USA finally recovered one goal in the 25th minute when Selenski slammed home from close range to make it 1-1. USA took the lead in the 33rd minute thanks to a set piece corner, Nichols with the conversion just deflecting it over the keeper. Half time IRE 1 USA 2

Ireland started the better in the second half but despite a penalty corner in the 44th minute and a few open chances they just couldn’t capitalise and USA put the match beyond Ireland’s reach in the 58th minute when Katie O’Donnell made it 3 on the 2nd phase of the penalty corner.

Ireland had a great chance in the 58th minute to pull one back with a great drive from Nikki Evans down the baseline just popping the ball back to the diving Emma Smyth who just couldn’t get the vital touch.

Ireland fought to the end but despite their best efforts the USA closed the match out with a 3-1 win.

Coach Smith was unsuprisingly proud of his teams tournament saying “I am so very proud of the team for an outstanding week. The performance and result against both Korea and South Africa were sound and I also felt we played some good hockey in the pool stages. Today USA had the edge on us and we just couldn’t apply enough pressure in their defensive end. USA are a good team and deserved champions. Now for a summer of hard work.”

Starting XI: Emma Gray GK; Cliodhna Sargent; Emma Smyth; Nikki Evans; Shirley McCay; Megan Frazer Capt; Audrey O’Flynn; Chloe Watkins; Nicci Daly; Katie Mullan; Anna O’Flanagan

Reserves: Michelle Harvey; Naomi Carroll; Ayeisha McFerran; Gillian Pinder; Kate Dillon; Ali Meeke; Emily Beatty.

FINAL POSITIONS

1.USA  2.Ireland  3.South Africa  4.Spain  5.Korea  6.Belgium  7.Scotland  8.India

photo FIH/Rodrigo Jaramillo

Ireland Men Champions Challenge I Tournament today in Malaysia

Ireland’s Men took to the field in the third fourth play-off at the world ranking Champions Challenge I Tournament in Malaysia but were defeated 4-2 in the final five of the match. Ireland who punched above their ranking finished fourth in this tournament that was eventually won by Korea.

Ireland conceded a penalty stroke in the 7th minute to give Malaysia the first score of the match thanks to Ahmad Nasrudden but Ireland immediately went goal hunting but to no avail. Malaysia doubled their lead in 11th minute on the counter this time Muhammad Baharom getting on the scoresheet.

Ireland pressed hard securing the first penalty corner of the match in the 13th minute but Stephen Dowds drag flick was well saved. Six minutes later Malaysia lined up for their first penalty corner but with Goal Keeper of the tournament David Harte on form he kept the chance out. Ireland pulled one back in the 22nd minute when Paul Gleghorne deflected in from open play to make it 2-1. From here Ireland pushed hard to equalise before half time but despite strong attacking play Malaysia held the narrow lead as the teams took their half time break.

Ireland’s skill finally paid dividends in the 43nd minute Chris Cargo this time netting for his side to make it 2-2. The game ensued in a fast paced end to end manner but it was the home side that netted a further two in the dying minutes of the game to secure a 4-2 victory and third place in this tournament.

Commenting after the match Coach Ned Fulton said “I am happy about the positive way we played tonight, creating enough chances in the 70 minutes to get a result. It was 2-2 with five minutes to go and was anyone’s game. I am proud of the team and the improvements they have made against the tough opposition throughout this tournament.”

Starting XI David Harte GK; John Jackson Capt; Johnny Bell; Chris Cargo; Maurice Elliott; Alan Sothern; Eugene Magee; Bruce McCandless; Philip Brown; Paul Gleghorne; Peter Brown

Reserves: Stephen Dowds; Kirk Shimmins; Matthew Bell; Drew Carlisle; Michael Robson; Richard Shaw; David Fitzgerald

Final Standings – Champions Challenge I (Malaysia) 1. Korea 2. Canada 3. Malaysia 4. IRELAND 5. New Zealand 6. France 7. Japan 8. Poland

 

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