Hockey: Ireland 2 -3 Germany

Ireland played the first of their two test matches against the Olympic Champions and World No. 3 Germany in Krefeld this evening as they continue their preparation on the Road to Rio. The game, in which Ronan Gormley became the first male player to reach 200 caps for his country, was an even contest. The first quarter saw little goal mouth action but Ireland did force their 1st corner of the game following good work by Shimmins. The resulting drag from Cockram was saved by German keeper

Germany had more possession early on in the 2nd quarter with Irish Keeper David Fitzgerald being called into action. Ireland 2nd corner in the 25m, won by Bruton, was taken off the line by the German defence after a good variation by Ireland. Fitzgerald made a sequence of fine saves before Germany scored in the 29m after good build up play was finished by Ruhr to give the Germans a 1-0 lead at half time.

The game opened up, as the 3rd quarter progressed, but very few circle entries for either side. Great skill from Eugene Magee in the 41m found Sothern in the circle and the striker finished with a tidy reverse to mark his 100th cap in style. Ireland almost took the lead moment later this time a Shimmins cross flashed across the face of goal. A swift German counter attack almost punished Ireland but the shot was fired wide. End 3rd quarter Ireland 1-1 Germany.

Germany had the first opportunity of the final quarter but Fuchs attempt was wide of target. Ireland defence was holding strong against the Olympic Champions. In the 55m a great crash ball from Cargo into the circle was deflected on to a German foot by Sothern to win Irelands 3rd PC of the game. Sothern stepped up himself to convert the PC drag and give Ireland the lead with 4m to go. Germany got their own PC 2 minutes later as the ball seemed to get stuck under Fitzgerald's pads. The PC was converted by Zeller, despite protests from Ireland as they considered it to be high and dangerous. From the restart Ireland had great chance to score with Shimmins finding Carlise but his shot flew over and moments later a counter attack by Germany was finished by Fuchs with 10 seconds left on the clock.

The final score Ireland 2-3 Germany, the sides meet again at 15.30 (14.30 Irish time) tomorrow Tuesday 12th May in Krefeld.

Starting XI: David Fitzgerald (GK), Ronan Gormley, Paul Gleghorne, Conor Harte, John Jackson, Eugene Magee, Michael Robson, Chris Cargo, Mitch Darling, Jonny Bruton, Timmy Cockram
Rolling Subs: Alan Sothern, Jonny Bell, Peter Caruth. Kirk Shimmins. Drew Carlisle, Stuart Loughrey
Did Not play: Shane O Donoghue, Stephen Dowds & Stephen West