Ireland V Belgium (women)

29 Jan 2012



Ireland played Belgium today in the second of two warm up matches in Johannesburg before they start the official Tri-Nations test tomorrow as they continue to prepare for the upcoming FIH Olympic Qualifiers in March.


The opening minutes of this match saw both sides in early attacking mode making in roads into each others circles. But it was Belgium who broke the deadlock in the eleventh minute thanks to Stepahine DeGroof's shot on the occassion of her 50th cap.


Ireland gained momentum and had a chance when the Belgians were reduced to ten after Valerie Vermeersch was sent to the bin, when they secured a penalty corner, but Audrey O'Flynn's drag effort was defended wide. Despite another Irish penalty corner it was the Belgians who looked sure to double their leadwhen they were awarded a stroke, but excellent work by Louisa Healy in goals denied Stephanie De Groof's effort.


Ireland started the stronger of the two in the second half immediately putting the Belgians under pressure but their effords saw no goals. The game continued primarily between the midfields for large parts of the second half and depsite a great shot from Audrey O'Flynn and an even better rebound effort Ireland could not break onto the score sheet. The game continued in a fast paced, exciting manner but despite the entertaining hockey and high skill level the second half yielded no goals for either side and the final score remained Ireland 0-1 Belgium.