Ireland Go Down in Kuala Lumpur

Ireland arrived in Kuala Lumpur yesterday evening as they fine tune their preparations for the World League in Delhi from 18th/24th February. The 3 test series against Malaysia will offer top class oposition against the team they had defeated in golden goal to win the Bronze Medal at the Champions Challenge in Argentina last December.

Straight from the tip off Malaysia were on fire and from their first attack finished courtesy of field goal from Chua Boon Chat in the first minute. The first penalty corner of the game went to Malaysia in the 4m but was well defended. Ireland won their first corner moments later and Eugene Magee fired home the equaliser. Malaysia had two further PC's in 11 & 19 minutes but again Ireland defence held strong. From their fourth PC in the 29m Malaysia took the lead courtesy of Mohamad Sukri Abdul Mutalib and forced their final PC of the half in the 34m which was saved

Ireland had their second PC of the game in the 45m but was well defended. Malaysia scored their 3rd goal from open play in the 47m by Izat Sumantri. Ireland were reduced to 10m when Mikey Watt got a yellow card and shortly afterwards in the 55m Azlan Misron made it 4-1 from open play. Ireland finished strongly with Shane O Donoghue scoring in the 69m.

Congrats to Banbridge's Peter Brown who came on for his first cap in the 7th minute.

Ireland will play their 2nd of the 3 test series v Malaysia at 11am Irish time tomorrow Monday 11th February with the final game at 11am on Wednesday.