Setback for Church of Ireland

hopes of regaining ‘A’ status in European Club hockey vanished yesterday when Cork Church of Ireland were beaten 3-1 by hosts Slavia Praha in the European Hockey Trophy in Prague.

The Cork side needed to finish in the top two to get back into the top flight, but yesterday’s defeat rendered this impossible.

Nevertheless, Church of Ireland put up an excellent display against far more experienced opposition and Ali Dunne, Adam Pritchard and Andy Herbert all stood out.

The Czech side were a goal up after five minutes and when they scored again just before half-time, the writing was on the wall.

However, Philip Smith got Church of Ireland back into it with a goal just after half-time.

When Slavia scored again with 10 minutes left, there was no comeback for the Irish outfit.

They play Italian side SG Amiscora today for 5th/6th place.