Ireland 4 defeated Czech Republic 2
Irish Hockey Association: Ireland beat the Czech Republic 4-2 in the final of the European Trophy in Rome to secure their berth at the BDO Hockey World Cup Qualifier next year.
Ireland started brightly maintaining possession and pressing forward to win early penalty corners. However the wet conditions and puddles forming in Ireland’s attacking circle created issues for the push out which assisted the Czechs in charging down Ireland's fourth corner and then breaking down the pitch to rifle home the opening goal in the 16th minute.
This fast flowing move was a key characteristic of the Czech side and was the undoing of all other sides until the final, but Ireland kept their nerve and continued to push forward.
At the next penalty corner, a slip to Mark Gleghorne saw him drag the ball into the net. Better was to follow for Ireland when Barbour followed in a rebound to put Ireland 2-1 up after 26 minutes.
As the rain began to ease and the surface water drained, it helped the players and Ireland's Justin Sherriff earned a penalty stroke after along run into the circle. Steve Butler converted to put Ireland 3-1 up at the half time interval.
As the second half began, the Czech Republic pushed forward and for the first time in the match Ireland were on the back foot as they won a couple of corners and searched to get back into the match. It was from their second corner that they dragged the ball low into the net to reduce the margin and give them a fighting chance of forcing an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining.
However, Ireland showed their composure and, rallied by the fantastic support of the large Irish contingent in Rome, they kept going forward and did not sit back on their lead.
With seven minutes to go a fine Mark Black run was impeded as he went to shoot and Ireland got their second stroke of the game.
It was Butler again who stepped up to score his seventh goal of the tournament and Ireland's fourth to seal the victory.
Ireland had entered into the tournament ranked number one and they justified their billing with four wins and one draw. Butler was voted player of the tournament and was one behind tournament top goal scorer Gianluca Cirilli.
The Irish men not only secured their promotion to the A division along with the Czech Republic but Ireland also qualify for the final European berth at the BDO Hockey World Cup Qualifier in Changhou City, China, next April.
