Ireland hit eight to beat drop

PAUL REVINGTON is refusing to get carried away despite watching his ever-improving Ireland senior men’s side rout Russia 8-2 to retain A division status at the EuroHockey Nations Championships in Germany.

It is the first time Ireland have managed to stay put at the top level since the tiered system was introduced in Europe, a huge boost to the men’s game in this country as it ensures they will be back among the big guns in 2013.

It also atones for the relegation suffered in 2007, when Ireland adopted an ultra-defensive approach yet somehow contrived to lose 1-0 to eight-man France in the decisive game.

This time around, they have matched Europe’s best in an attacking sense — as 16 goals in four games testifies — though Revington admitted there is still much work to be done defensively.

Entering their first relegation pool clash after Wednesday’s 7-4 defeat to the Netherlands dashed hopes of a semi-final place and Olympic qualification, Ireland were irresistible in the first half once Mikey Watt had broken some initial stubborn Russian resistance.

Mitch Darling, Eugene Magee, Timmy Cockram and David Ames all found the net before half time, with Russian captain Aleksandr Plantonov belatedly replying.

Geoff McCabe netted the sixth to put Ireland back on track, only for Pavel Plesetskiy to produce an amazing sweep-chip for 6-2.

However, John Jermyn ripped home two drag-flicks in the final minutes to put a gloss on the scoreline. With France losing 2-1 to Spain, they are relegated with Russia while Ireland face Spain tomorrow (10am) knowing a draw will be enough for an all-time best finish of fifth.