Ireland hit Wales for five in Euro Opener

Ireland got their EuroHockey Youth Nations Campaign off to a great start in UCD as they brushed aside a Welsh side by 5 goals to nil.

Coach Richie Malone will be happy with his side's performance against a tough young Welsh side who packed their defence. The girls in green looked nervous as they opened the tournament in front of a large crowd, but 5 goals in 25 second half minutes was enough to earn the 3 points.

The first half finished goalless despite Ireland having the majority of possession. Twomey and Hawkshaw both had great chances in the opening minutes, whilst Grieve and McGirr kept things ticking over at the back. Wales did have chances of their own on the counter attack, at one stage having a 3 v 1, but McFerran was quick to avert any danger. With 4 minutes left in the half Chambers made a great run on the left but fluffed her shot when she had more time to finish. The half finished scoreless.

Wales started the second half on top and won two early penalty corners which came to nothing. With 11 minutes gone in the second half Emma Duncan finally broke the deadlock after the high Irish press finally paid dividends. Duncan stole the ball in midfield and played in Carey, whose reverse effort was saved by the Welsh GK. The rebound fell kindly to Duncan who finished well in front of goal.

Ireland doubled their lead three minutes later as O'Donnell swept in a great PC leaving Carey with a first time delfection. O'Donnell was again the provider for their third and fourth as her disguise pass was too much for the Welsh defence to handle. Duncan slotted her second and Hawkshaw nipped in to make it 4 with 9 minutes to play.

A penalty corner finish from McGirr on the final hooter made it 5 without reply as Ireland finished comfortable winners.

Speaking to hockey.ie after the game, coach Richie Malone said: "I am happy with the result considering our slow start to the game. We did well to convert our chances in the second half and will look to carry that momentum into tomorrow. The Dutch are a talented side and it is a challenge we are relishing."

In the other game's of the day, Germany beat Belgium 6-0 and England achieved double figures as they demolished Russia 10-1 in Pool B.

In Ireland's pool the Dutch comfortably defeated France 5-0, leaving tomorrow's game a battle of the top two in Pool A.