Hockeyroos defeat Ireland in WCC warm-up

Host nation Ireland fell to a 3-0 defeat against Australia in a warm up game ahead of the women's Electric Ireland FIH Champions Challenge I, which begins this Saturday in Dublin. 

Ireland opened the game in positive fashion and created some early chances, but the Hockeyroos quickkly found their feet and forced a solid save from Nicola Gray in the Ireland goal with a well worked penalty corner routine. However, the next chance fell the way of the Irish when a lovely interchange between Miriam Crowley, Emma Gray and Lisa Jacob tested the Australian defence only for Hockeyroos keeper Rachael Lynch to clear the danger.

Australia opened the scoring thanks to a cracking strike from Emily Smith, who set her shot high into the roof of the net to give her side the advantage. Ireland immediately countered when great work from Niamh Small set up Emma Smyth, but her shot was fractionally wide of the target. 

An entertaining second half saw some end-to-end hockey and some great defending by Ireland, including a spectacular full length dive from Audrey O'Flynn to deny the Australians a certain goal. Despite this, Australia doubled their advantage when the in-form Emily Smith smashed home her second goal of the match, giving her team a 2-0 lead after 53 minutes. Five minutes later, 2-0 became 3-0 when a penalty corner drag-flick from Jodie Schultz rattled the backboard to seal victory.  

Congratulations to Brenda O'Flannery who made her senior Irish debut in the contest. 

Source material: Hockey.ie .