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 SHarik.jpg "Ireland & Australia met at the INSEP Hockey Challenge on Wednesday.")
World Champions Australia were untroubled in their opening game of the tournament on the second day of the INSEP Hockey Challenge in Paris, registering a 4 - 2 victory, despite a solid performance from a persistent Ireland.
The Australians got off to a good start, when the ball spilled into the circle from a deflection and Mark Paterson first timed the shot to score an opportunistic opening goal in the 4th minute. From that point, the Kookaburra’s intensity was the standout feature of the first half, and their consistent pressure on the Irish defence was rewarded in 21st minute when Matthew Butturini burst into the circle for a shot, which was tipped in by a well positioned Jacob Whetton from just outside the left post.
Australia had gone into the break at 2-0, and when Chris Ciriello converted a penalty corner early in the second half, at 3-0 it looked like they might run away with the match. However, a determined Ireland stayed with the Australians and got the next goal in the 46th minute when an aggressive forward press forced a turnover and Michael Watt finished off the resulting counter attack.
The World’s number one ranked team responded quickly, however, and 2 minutes later Cirello fired home his second penalty corner goal to put Australia in a comfortable position at 4-1. Ireland were awarded a penalty corner right on the final siren, which was converted by John Jermyn, but the Australian’s, whilst not at their best in the second period, always looked to be in control of the game, and the score finished at 4-2.
Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said after the game that he was happy with the result, but not completely satisfied with the way his team had played. “We can play better. We lost possession too easily and made some bad decisions in the circle. However it takes time to work these things out,” said Charlesworth. He added that, “Ireland is a good team, and I understand that they preparing for the European Championships – they appear to be running hot at the moment.”
Charlesworth noted that his team included only 3 players from the side that won the 2010 World Cup. “We are testing this new group of players,” he said. But he has not lowered his sights. “My expectation for this tournament is the same as for every tournament – be successful and win it,” he added.
Ireland coach Paul Revington said after the game that he was very disappointed about conceding the 4 goals. “We must have a better balance between offence and defence,” he said. “Like yesterday it wasn’t an easy match, and the scores reflect this. Our concentration was good for most of the match, but as soon as it lapsed, Australia took their chance.”
Ireland next play on Thursday, but tomorrow is not a rest day for Revington. “We do not have a game tomorrow, but we are going to train, watch plenty of video, and work hard,” he said.
Australia face Argentina in their next game at 15:30hrs (Central European Time) on Thursday before host nation France take on Korea at 18:00hrs.
