Hockey: Ireland 2-5 Netherlands

Ireland lost 5-2 to the World No. 2 in Stellensbosch this afternoon as they continue their preparation for World League 2 in San Diego, USA from 28th February/8 March. The Dutch were the more creative in the first quarter and took the lead with a goal in the 10m with a lovely one two inside the 25 and slapped home high. Ireland created two good chances for Caruth & Watt early in the 2nd quarter but the Dutch got their second in the 28m to take a 2-0 lead at half time.

Ireland got one back early in the 3rd quarter following a series of Penalty corners. It came from the stick of Paul Gleghorne smashing home the rebound off the Dutch keeper. Ireland were back level, after another PC, this time a corner switch was dispatched by Sothern to the keepers right. Ireland finished the quarter on top and level with the World Numbers 2s with 15m left. Ireland started the final quarter as they had finished the 3rd, putting the Dutch under pressure, and following great work by Kyle Good along the baseline forced a PC off a Dutch foot. The resultant PC was switched to Gleghorne and his goal bound effort was taken off the line. A quick counter by the Dutch resulted in a goal and the lead for Netherlands 3-2 with 13m left on the clock. Ireland were reduced to 10 men for the final 10 minutes and in this period Netherlands scored a further two goals for a 5-2 victory.

After the game Fulton said 'I was very proud of the lads coming back from 2-0 down to draw level at 2-2 and then we had one taken off the line by a Dutch defender. A quick counter from the Dutch put them 3-2 ahead. It was always going to difficult to contain the Dutch attack when reduced to 10 men for the final ten minutes. I am happy we played at our best for 50 minutes'

IRELAND: David Fitzgerald (GK), Mark Ingram (GK), Jonathan Bell, Ronan Gormley, John Jackson, Chris Cargo, Alan Sothern, Kirk Shimmins, Bruce McCandless, Michael Darling, Paul Gleghorne, Shane O Donoghue. Peter Caruth, Kyle Good, Drew Carlisle, Michael Robson, Jonny Bruton, Michael Watt.

Did Not Play: Stephen Dowds, Eugene Magee, James Lorimer, Neal Glassey

SCHEDULE
Thursday January 29th v Holland - Stellenbosch 18.00 (local)
Saturday January 31st v Belgium - Hartleyvale 15.00 (local)
Sunday February 1st v Belgium - Hartleyvale 14.00 (local)