Kohler leads by example

RACHEL KOHLER has given her all for Ireland on the 160-odd occasions she has represented her country, but it is doubtful if the Irish captain ever gave more than she did on Saturday when Ireland drew 1-1 with the Ukraine to secure a third place finish in their pool and qualify for the crossover series of these championships.

Kohler reckoned the massive effort was worth it for the prize involved will see Ireland almost certainly play France in the 5th-8th place matches next Thursday, which will secure Ireland’s ‘A’ ranking and qualification for the next Europeans and give them a shot at fifth place overall.

Kohler was delighted not only with the outcome, but the manner in which it was achieved: “It was a very tough game because we knew the Ukrainians had some very skilful individuals,” she said, “but it took us a while to adapt because it was a very different style of game than we are used to.