Ireland women strike silver

Ireland’s women claimed Champions Challenge I silver for the first time, but gold eluded them as USA claimed a 3-1 final victory in Glasgow.

Darren Smith’s side far outperformed their world ranking and likely their own expectations in reaching the decider, knocking out World Cup-bound opposition in Korea and South Africa en route.

But a final win proved a step too far despite an ideal start which saw Emma Smyth bat down Megan Frazer’s high shot to the net for an early lead.