Hockey: Irish Women win test series against France

Hockey: Irish Women show good form against France

The Irish Women's Hockey team, under new head caoch Gene Muller finished off a successfull three match series in style against France today winning 4-0. The teams drew 1-1 on Saturday, and the Irish ladies took the first match 1-0.

Sunday 11th March

Ireland defeat France 4-0

Roisin Flinn 17, Rachel Mulligan 29 pc, Lisa Jacob 38,Nicky Symmons 54

Ireland dominated the 1st half reflected by the corner count of 6-0.  The first goal was scored from play by UCD’s Roisin Flinn in the 17 minute which she picked up a free hit from the right to score on the left post.  With the forwards all moving well up front and forcing short corners Rachel Mulligan made it 2-0 with a straight strike from Ireland’s 5th corner of the half. 

Ireland continued to dominate in the second half and after great work from Nicky Symmons, Emma Clarke drove into the circle forcing a fine save from the French keeper but Lisa Jacob was on hand to score from the rebound.  The French tried to break through the Irish defence and did force their only corner of the game but the Irish defended well with Shirley McCay pulling the strings from centre midfield. It was McCays pass from midfield to Symmons who linked up with Alex Speers to round the keeper and lay the ball off for Symmons to find the empty net.

Irish Coach Muller commented after the game:
"We played well today passing with more precision and pace and had more control.  Our play improved from the first two games which was reflected in the result.”

Saturday 10th March

Ireland Draw 1-1 with France in second match.

Ireland played France for the second time today, and in a game which was of a much higher tempo from both sides they came away with a one all draw.

Ireland started to attack from the whistle and had obviously taken note of Coach Muller's comments from yesterday's game as passing and linking up was much improved in the Irish camp.

This was a more open game; however both Keeper's were fairly quiet until the final five minutes, until Ireland forced two short corners. The first which was a Symmons drag flick was saved by the keeper and the second was a shot wide of target. The French managed to force their own penalty corner in the thirty third minute which was dealt comfortably by Irish Keeper, Mary Goode.

Although Ireland had more of the chances in the first half they failed to capitalise and closed out nil all at half time.

Ireland felt the pressure from the French from the first pass back and conceded a penalty corner in the opening minutes of the second half however a confident Irish defence kept the Irish sheet clean.

The first goal came mid way through the second half when France forced a penalty corner from which they scored via a defection to nudge themselves one nil ahead.

Ireland responded immediately when Roisin Flinn and Rachel Mulligan worked a two on one with the French Keeper who deprived Ireland their equaliser with an very good safe.

Five minutes from the end Ireland were finally rewarded for their efforts when they equalised from a penalty corner, with Mulligan taking the initial shot from the top of the circle and Roisin Flinn on hand to find the back of the net from the rebound. The match closed out one all.
 
Coach Gene Muller was obviously content with the player's performance today "Both teams were sharper and quicker today so the match quality was better it was a more open game and I think that the young players are learning about hockey at this level."

Friday 9th March

Ireland Earn A Deserved One Nil Victory.

A young senior Irish side took on France today in the first of a three match clash out in Chatenay, just outside Paris.

Ireland were fast off the blocks to score the only goal of the match when six minutes in the Irish mounted a strong attack to find Roisin Flinn at the top of the circle for a strike, the French goal keeper just got a touch to it but not enough to prevent the ball crossing the line.

Ireland dominated a low tempo first half and the defence was marshalled well by Captain Bridget McKeever. Five minutes before half time the first penalty corner of the game was awarded to France which was dealt easily with by the Irish. In the final two minutes it looked as if Ireland would add to their score when they won two successive penalty corners but failed to convert. The first half closed out one nil to Ireland.

The second half started with Ireland upping the tempo and both sides forcing short corners in the first ten but neither side managing to convert. Half way through the second half Amy Stewart came on to join her sister, Emma, and earn her first cap. Amy stepped up well to the international mark and at times looked dangerous. Keeper Mary Goode who had little to do in the first half made two excellent saves from a penalty corner and shortly after a one on one with a French attacker.

Ireland who dominated the match deserved the win and no doubt this game has given Coach Muller the chance to view some of his younger internationals while his more senior players were left behind.

Commenting after the game Muller said “I was impressed with the work rate of players but I am looking for improvement both in ball control and our passing in the next two games.”