Ireland Open UCD Nations Test Series With a Draw

Ireland opened their UCD 3 Nations test series this evening at the National Hockey Stadium. Despite a scrappy start from both sides putting in tough tackles, South Africa opened the scoring with a high drag flick from Justin Reid-Ross.

Ireland secured a penalty corner in the 20th minute and after the initial drag was saved by a foot on the line marksman John Jermyn stepped up to convert the stroke and level the sides. Ireland continued to gain momentum and five minutes before the break Brian Doherty was on hand to convert Ireland's set piece low as his drag deflected off the keeper to make it 2-1. Ireland almost pushed further ahead with ten seconds left when Doherty threw a long overhead setting Carson up for a one on one with the keeper but the final finish went wayward and Ireland finished up the half with a 2-1 lead.

Ireland started in early attacking mode coming out fast with Jackson driving expertly up the right and crossing through but good keeping kept the attack at bay. Harte in goals then found himself rather busy staving off two consecutive penalty corners before denying Robinson and Haley for South Africa in an open play attack. Ireland immediately went on the counter but Hackett scooped the ball off the line clearing it to safety.

The game picked up pace as both sides showed pace and attacking flair including a great run from Magee whose reverse shot was denied. South Africa levelled the sides on their 5th penalty corner of the match when Ian Haley secured the goal deflecting in the drag. Ireland countered within a minute when Watt was fed through expertly finishing to make it 3-2 with just 6 minutes left.

Ireland were denied the win with 45seconds left on the clock when McDade reversed home to make the final score 3-3. Ireland play Belgium tomorrow at 19.15 in the final match.