Ireland Beaten in Investec London Cup

Ireland faced a tough ask playing the World Number 7 Australia in the first game of the Investec London Cup at the University of Westminster Sports Grounds in Chiswick. Irish keeper Emma Gray was always going to be the busiest of the two keepers on show as she earned her 50th cap for her country. They got off to the worse possible start when almost straight from the pass back Australia scored through Fiona Boyce and the Hockeyroos were 2-0 up after 10 minutes with Emily Smith scored. Ireland were making good use of the overhead options from wing backs Atcheler and O Flynn but it was Australia who extended their lead in the 17th minute from a PC drag flick from corner specialist Jodie Schultz who gave keeper Gray no chance.

Ireland second half performance was excellent where they matched Australia on the scoreline. But it was the Hockeroos who first extended their half time lead when from another PC a defelction in front of Irish Keeper Gray gave her no chance. The Irish goal came in the 58th minute when after good team play a cross from Chloe Watkins was touched in by Nikki Daly.

Irish Coach Denis Pritchard said after the game "Coming off the back of a break the level of intensity and physicality of the Australians in the first 15th minutes had Ireland on the back foot As the game went on the Irish girls grew in confidence and showed huge bravery and aggression for the remainder of the match. We created six decent goal scoring chances throughout with many individuals standing up to the plate"