Ireland almost steal victory against England
Ireland were comfortable in the opening stages, with the back four of Gleghorne, Lewis, Pritchard and Harte, settling well.
Ireland had two early penalty corners and continued to penetrate the English circle but couldn’t break the deadlock.
In the second half, England began to come into the game, but Ireland still forced two penalty corners in the opening 15 minutes. The pressure left them open to breakaway attacks and, on 61 minutes, England took advantage to take the lead.
The Irish heads didn’t drop, however, as Johnny Bruton levelled the score from close range, after good work from Jason Lynch and Tim Lewis.
Bruton then almost won it for Ireland when he deflected Michael Watt’s cross goalbound, only to see it flash wide.
Coach Stephen Watt said he was pleased to be back in the international arena for the team’s first full international in two years.
“It was a good opening performance and you could argue that Ireland could have won it. The boys can be very pleased with the way they played,” he said.
They play Scotland this morning.
In the Girl’s U-18 competition Ireland drew 2-2 with England in their first pool game at the European Youth Championships in Slaskie.
Ireland were 1-0 down at half-time but Kim Daly equalised in the 36th minute with a goal from play. England restored their lead but Daly again levelled matters with another goal from play in the 55th minute.
The Irish senior men’s team will travel to Edinburgh next week for the Celtic Cup competition, which is part of their preparation for the European Nations Trophy in Rome in September. Ireland begin the tournament on Friday, July 22, against France and play Wales and Scotland the following two days.
Denis Pritchard will be head coach for the Celtic Cup, under the leadership of National Coach David Passmore, who will use the competition to assess players from the stands.
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