Irish Hockey Association: Ireland have defeated Austria by 2-1 in the semi-final if the European Nations Trophy in Rome to ensure their promotion to the A Division of the European Championship for 2007.
Ireland went 2-0 up before half time, with Mark Irwin scoring in the 30th following excellent play down the right by Andrew Barbour.
Steven Butler scored another on 35 minutes through a well executed penalty corner routine.
Ireland were the dominant side throughout the game but Austria managed to slip one past the keeper from a penalty corner with three minutes to go before the final whisle to leave the final score 2-1.
Ireland will now play the winners of Wales and the Czech Republic in the final on Saturday. The winner of the tournament is guaranteed a place in the BDO Hockey World Cup Qualifier in China from in April 2006.
