The women’s team of China defeated Ireland for the second time in a row during the test series in Wellington, New Zealand. This time, the Olympic Games host defeated the Irish squad 3-1.
Ireland played 5th world ranked China for the second time in Wellington having lost their opening encounter by 4-0. Ireland starting slowly conceding a penalty corner in 3rd minute from which their top markswoman Ma scored from low drag flick and extended their lead in the 6th minute with a goal from play. Ireland to their credit did not panic and worked their way into the game with O’Halloran leading from the front and creating some good attacks and Eimear Cregan in midfield was making an impact. Ireland had now settled into the pace of the game and in this period were denied two penalty corners. Irish keeper Goode was called into action in the 20th minute but saved well and a minute later Shirley McCay made a wonderful block tackle to deny the Chinese. In the 25th minute a well rehearsed set piece by O’Brien rolled to Symmons caused havoc in the China defense and resulted in Ireland’s first short corner of the match but the strike by Louisa Moore was well saved by the keeper.
Ireland started the 2nd half really well with McKean making a great run from her own half but last ditch defense from China kept the score at 2-0. Cregan continued to drive forward from midfield and in the 42 minute great combination play from club colleagues McCay and Clarke with the former sending a wonderful ball to O’Halloran who controlled and struck an unstoppable reverse stick shot to the roof of the net. China responded immediately and McCay was called into action at the other end to clear the ball of the Irish line. The game was fast and furious and after great work by Flinn and McDonough Ireland just failed to get the equaliser. With three minutes on the clock and time running out for Ireland it was China who finished the stronger. A wonderful aerial into the Irish circle resulted in China’s fourth corner of the game in the 67th minute and they made no mistake from the set piece scoring from a direct strike.
Irish Coach Muller commented afterwards “It was a very mature performance tonight after being down 2-0 after 7 minutes we settle and scored a fantastic team goal and had chances to make it 2-2, There was tension in the match up until they scored their third goal with three minutes to go.
Source: Irish Hockey Association
