Hockey - Green Army Open 4 Nations With Victory

A barrage of goals in the second half secured Ireland the victory against Scotland at the Merrion Fleet Arena in Rathdown School.

The Green Army controlled possession in the opening exchanges and the first real chance came courtesy of Rebecca Barry who drove into the circle at pace but her pass back to Deirdre Duke was quickly intercepted by Mairi Drummond. Scotland grew into the game as the first half drew on but the Irish defence, well marshalled by captain Megan Frazer, rarely looked troubled. Frazer in fact created Ireland’s first penalty corner as she glided through 4 defenders with ease before drawing the foul to win the PC. The shot was saved, as were several more that followed over the remainder of the half as Ireland continued to create plenty of chances.

The first goal came as Katie Mullan won another PC, a simple routine saw Anna O’Flanagan deflect a Zoe Wilson sweep past Nicola Cochrane in the Scottish goal in the 39th minute. The chances were again building up quickly with Duke and Naomi Carroll both seeing their efforts saved. The first penalty stroke of the game came when O’Flanagan was cynically tackled but Wilson drew a superb save from Cochrane to keep the score at 1-0. A swift attack saw the second goal created by O’Flanagan and Duke; the latter of whom slipped the ball back to O’Flanagan on the P spot who swept the ball past the diving GK. The 60th minute saw Frazer extend Ireland’s lead wth a clever PC routine; Frazer dummied the runner to leave herself free and swept the ball low into the corner. 5 minutes later and Ireland was awarded another penalty stroke, Frazer made no mistake and fired her side into a 4-0 lead. Scotland scored their deserved goal in the 69th minute as Rebecca Merchant converted her sides penalty stroke.

Ireland play Belgium at 3pm tomorrow at the Merrion Fleet Arena in Rathdown School.

Congratulations to Chloe Watkins and Katie Mullan celebrating 100th and 150th cap milestones.

Squad: Frazer (Captain), McFerran (GK), McCay, Tice, Pinder, Whelan, Watkins, Colvin, A O'Flanagan, Wilson, Duke

Subs: G O'Flanagan (GK), O'Bryne, Mullan, Matthews, Meeke, Barry, Carroll