Ireland 0-1 Belgium (hockey)

Ireland took on Belgium in the Investec Tri-Nations Tournament currently taking place in South Africa. Ireland are using this tournament as part of their training as they continue to prepare for their FIH Olympic Qualifiers taking place in Belgium this March.

Ireland secured the initial chances of the half the first of which was just 4 minutes in but their penalty corner strike went wide of the mark, just eight minutes later Ireland had a chance to take the lead with an Emma Smyth shot but the ball met the wrong side of the goal. Belgium gained momentum and forced Ireland's defence into action to keep the decks clear of an early break through but their persistence finally paid off in the 17th minute when Sofie Gierts pounced on Jill Boon's rebound to go 1-0 up. Ireland had chances to equalise both from open and set play but the hooter blew with the girls in green trailing by one goal.

Ireland came out all guns blazing in the second half securing a penalty corner within forty seconds, but Audrey O'Flynn's drag attempt was denied by the crossbar. Ireland dominated the early minutes of the second half even when they were reduced to ten as a result of Nicci Daly being shown yellow but they failed to convert their chances.

Belgium managed to find some rhythm towards the last quarter forcing an Irish defence, in particular Sinead McCarthy, to put in some fine tackles. The game continued with attacking play changing hands frequently and Ireland were put under more pressure than they would have liked conceding a penalty corner with just two minutes left on the clock but Emma Gray was on hand to clear the shot. Ireland immediately applied pressure but despite camping in the Belgian circle for the final two minutes the hooter sounded before Ireland could equalise.