Ireland Beaten by Hockeyroos

Ireland took on the Hockeyroos earlier today in a warm up game to the FIH Champions Challenge I which commences on Saturday 29th in UCD.


Ireland opened the game looking strong creating some early chances but the Hockeyroos began to find momentum after the opening ten including the first penalty corner of the game which Gray in goals for Ireland saved well. But it was Ireland next who forced the save after some lovely interchanges between Crowley, Gray and Jacob but the Hockeyroos keeper saved well.


A minute later the Australian's opened the scoring with a lovely goal by Emily Smith roofing into the net to go 1-0 up.Ireland immediately countered when great work from Small set up Smyth who just missed at the far post. Both sides continued with chances including Ireland's first penalty corner of the game in the 31st minute but the keeper saved the slip back to Watkins and the half time whistle sounded with Australia 1-0 up.
The second half ensued with some end to end hockey and some great defending by Ireland including a diving stretch by O'Flynn to keep out a tap in. But Emily Smith was on form once again to score her second goal in the 53minute making it 2-0 to Australia. Just five minutes later Ireland found themselves 3-0 down after Australia converted their 6th penalty corner from a low drag by Jodie Schulz.


Ireland continued to make chances include a 3 v 2 which saw Watkins shot just go wide. Anna O'Flanagan was next up with a great chance but the opportunity was smothered by the oncoming keeper and the match closed out with a slightly flattering scoreline to the Hockeyroos 3-0.