Shane O’Donoghue’s hat trick of low drag-flicks powered Ireland to victory over China in the men’s Hero Hockey World League Round Two 2013, a result which ensures they qualify for the next phase of the competition and a step closer to World Cup 2014.

They were in control for most of the game, making the early running before Peter Brown – with his second goal of the tournament – got on the end of a smart Stuart Loughrey cross at the back post to get the green machine up and running.

Ireland held possession for long periods thereafter and took the sting out of the game on the half-time hooter when O’Donoghue netted his first goal. His second came in similar fashion, hitting the backboard four minutes after the turnaround and the victory was complete from the same source in the 50^th minute. China, meanwhile, will end the tournament in fourth place.