The Irish women team bounced back in the New Zealand tour by defeating New Zealand 2-1. In earlier action, Ireland lost 4-0 against China.
A much refreshed Ireland team tore into New Zealand from the start creating a few chances in the first five minutes. A brilliant run by Loreto’s Cathy McKean picking up in her own half driving into the New Zealand circle and winning Ireland first and only penalty corner of the game. From the resulting corner a fine strike from Louisa Moore was superbly saved by the NZ keeper. Good defending by McKeever and O’Brien kept the New Zealand attack at bay and Healy had to make her first save of the game in the 25th minute. With five minutes to the break Niamh Small created an attack down the right was supported by O’Brien who drove into the circle and released a great ball to Louisa Moore who made no mistake to put Ireland 1-0 at half time.
New Zealand took control from the whistle and forced Healy into action and from resulting pressure equalized from open play in the 40th minute. Ireland continued to counter attack using the aerial ball to great effect down both flanks. McDonough and Flinn both had chances but were thwarted by an alert New Zealand defense. In the 54th minute after great work by McDonough, Julia O’Halloran gave the keeper no chance with a wonderful strike to put Ireland 2-1 up. Two minutes later after a brilliant run by McKean Ireland were unlucky not be awarded a penalty stroke. Great works in defense by Hollie Moffett in a last frantic five minutes saved Ireland and in the 69 minute New Zealand were awarded their first and only penalty corner of the game but they failed to convert.
Irish Coach Muller commented afterwards “This was very satisfying win for the team we have worked hard this year and to win against the World’s 7th ranked team is a great boost.”
Source: Irish Hockey Association
