Quins busted by Bra in Euro opener

Cork Harlequins’ quest to win the Energiecomfort EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy in Vienna started badly with a 4-3 defeat to Italian champions HC Bra yesterday.

The Munster side started the match in electric fashion and were rewarded after six minutes when Paul Lombard took a beautifully weighted pass from his brother David, to find the net from an acute angle.

Poor defensive play allowed the Italians to equalise after 12 minutes, however. From a penalty corner, Priyesh Girish Bhana slotted home after goalkeeper Chris Daunt initially saved a drag flick.