Ireland blitz French with second-half revival

Ireland 4 France2

JENNY BURKE scored twice and Karen Bateman celebrated her fiftieth cap with a goal as Ireland stunned France with a marvellous revival at the European hockey championships in Barcelona yesterday.

Ulster striker Lynsey McVicker completed the tally in a tremendous performance which assures the team of a top six finish at the tournament in the Pau Negre stadium.

Such a cheerful outcome appeared a very long shot after the first half of the match in the play-offs for places 5-8 at the 12-nation event.

Ireland had little return in the French circle during the opening 35 minutes while keeper Angela Platt was beaten twice by powerful set-pieces from Peggy Bergere.

The French sweeper gave her side a tonic start on five minutes when she powered home a penalty corner. The same player trotted up the pitch to flick high into the net a quarter of an hour later after Perrine Bretigny was fouled when bearing down on Platt’s goal.

The Irish were clearly shaken but coach Riet Kuper marshalled for her troops at the break.

Ireland struck back with two goals from Jenny Burke and one apiece from Karen Bateman and Lynsey McVicker to seal an incredible victory.

Ireland will play The Ukraine this afternoon for 5th place. Ukraine beat Scotland 3-2 in the other morning game.

IRELAND: A Platt, L Caulfield, C O'Brien, D Sixsmith, K Maybin, E Cregan, J Orbinson, R Kohler, J Burke, L McVicker, K Bateman. Subs: J McDonagh, B McKeever, C McKean, F Connery, N King.

FRANCE: M Rheby, D Gwenaelle, A Morin, P Bretigny, M Lazennec, E Bellet, C Lafaury, S Llobet, S Boccara, P Bergere, S Verley. Subs: G Verrier, J Leman.