Hockey: Belgium 4 Ireland 2

Ireland played the first of two test series against Belgium at Dragons Hockey Club, the venue for the upcoming World League 3, to be played later this month. Belgium the World No. 5 team are the top seeds in Ireland's Pool at WL3.

Belgium got off to a flyer scoring in the 3rd minute with a reverse strike from top scored by Dohmen. They doubled their lead in the 7m from 1st PC of the game when Tom Boon scored with a low drag to Hartes left. Another PC in the 12th minute put Belgium 3 up, the initial shot was stopped by the Irish line stopper but Luypaert was on hand to fire home the rebound and send the hosts in with a comfortable 3-0 lead at end of 1st quarter.

Ireland settled in the 2nd quarter and forced their first PC, won by Robson, in the 21m which was converted with an unstoppable drag by Shane O Donoghue. This was the only goal of the quarter so at half time Ireland 1-3 Belgium.

Ireland started the 3rd quarter with a another PC, won by Dowds, and converted by O Donoghue in the 31m to make it 3-2. Irish keeper Harte was called into action saving from PC in 33m and again from a deflection. Ireland were dominating possession but a Belgium break away down the left took a unlucky deflection off an Irish stick to give Belgium a 2 goal lead. Another PC won by Gormley but this time O Donoghues drag hit the crossbar in the 40m. Belgium forced a corner in 44m but Boon's effort few over the bar to leave the score at the end of 3rd quarter Belgium 4-2 Ireland.

Ireland forced a PC in the 46m but the Belgium keeper saved well. Two minutes later the goal post saved Ireland as Jackson cleared the danger. Belgium finished the final quarter with another PC but Harte saved well. Final score Ireland 2-4 Belgium.

The sides meet again in Dragons at 3pm local time tomorrow Sunday June 7th.