Hockey: Ireland 4-2 South Africa (Men's Hockey Investec London Cup)

Ireland's men, the Green Machine, opened their first game in the Investec London Cup 4 Nations today in winning style securing a good 4-2 win over opponents South Africa.

Ireland broke the deadlock off their third penalty corner thanks to the striking power of Shane O'Donoghue before the higher ranked South Africa leveled thanks to Taine Paton. Ireland edged ahead again before half time with Mitch Darling claiming the honours this time to make it 2-1 at the break. Ireland extended their lead after a super Kirk Shimmins run was converted by striker Alan Sothern making it 3-1 before he put the game beyond South Africa's reach to make it 4-1.

South Africa got one back in the 50th minute thanks to Lance Louw but Ireland were pleased to close out game one of this tournament with a 4-2 win. Coach Fulton commented "I am happy with today's result, but we have plenty of room for improvement. We took our chances well against a physical South African team in what was a tough contest. We look forward to our match tomorrow against Scotland."

Ireland Team - Investec 4 Nations, London.
David Harte (GK) (SV Kampong (Holland)
David Fitzgerald (Monkstown)
John Jackson (Reading)
Conor Harte (Royal Club de Racing Bruxells)
Paul Gleghorne (Instonians)
Jonny Bell (Lisnagarvey)
Ronan Gormley ( Krefeld HC (Germany)
Stuart Loughrey (Cannock)
Shane O'Donoghue (UCD)
Kirk Shimmins (UCD)
Michael Robson (Annadale)
Eugene Magee (Banbridge)
Stephen Cole (Monkstown)
Mikie Watt (Surbiton)
Timmy Cockram (Lisnagarvey)
Mitch Darling (Three Rock Rovers)
Mossie Elliott (Pembroke Wanderers)
Alan Sothern (Pembroke Wanderers)

Match Schedule:
Wednesday July 9th - Sunday July 13th
Men's Investec London Cup (Olympic Park - London)

- Thursday July 10th 17.15 Ireland v Scotland
- Saturday July 12th 12.00 Ireland v England
- Sunday July 13th 9.45 / 14.45 Cross over match