Hockey: Ireland 1 Spain 1

Ireland drew 1-1 with Spain Valencia earlier this morning to finish the three match series all square. The 1st quarter ended scoreless with a couple of chances to both sides but defences held strong. The first PC of the game was to Spain early in the 2nd quarter but Gray comfortably saved the resultant drag flick. Great play by McCay, after 20m, found Duke in the circle but good Spanish defence cleared the danger. Ireland dominated the remaining stages of the quarter but the teams went in level at half time 0-0.

Spain took the lead in the 3rd quarter with a goal from Maria Tost and Ireland got an equaliser, in the final quarter, with a Nicola Evans intercept and a great reverse stick finish by the UCD striker giving the Spanish keeper no chance. Congrats to Gillian Pinder on her 50th Cap today.

Irish Coach Smith after the game said 'It was a hard fought game with Spain in possession for decent periods. I thought we were robust and competitive without the quality needed to accumulate the attaching pressure. The positives were that we hung in there to the end to create an opportunity which was well finished. We also played the majority of the match without Megan meaning we all had to step up in her absence. A very beneficial 12 days in Valencia"

Ireland: Emma Gray (GK), Stella Davis (GK), Cliodhna Sargent, Emma Smyth, Chloe Brown, Nicola Evans, Shirley McCay, Megan Frazer (Capt), Naomi Carroll, Chloe Watkins, Lizzie Colvin, Nicola Daly, Katie Mullan, Anna O Flanagan, Deirdre Duke, Kate Dillon, Yvonne O Byrne, Emily Beatty