Ireland 0 China 4

Bridget McKeever captained the Irish side as she won her 100th cap against world fifth ranked side China but was not able to celebrate a victory. The Chinese dominated the match with Goode making some excellent saves and O’Brien showing great composure in defence and Clarke outstanding in midfield.

The pressure paid off, though, with a goal in the first half scored in the 25th minute from play after Goode had made the initial save but the defence failed to clear. In the second half Ireland conceded two quick goals from play in a five minute spell between the 43 and 48 minutes.

Ireland forced some chances of their own through good work by McDonough, O’Halloran and Flinn but as the game went on China finished the stronger and scored on the counter attack in the 62nd minute. Ireland conceded only one penalty corner in the second half which was well defended by first runner McDonough.

Afterwards Coach Muller commented “ It was a very difficult match for us seeing as we had only landed twenty four hours earlier due to delay in our flight from London - we were physically better that we have been in previous matches this year and this is very good news. We wanted this level of opponent and am very satisfied with our progress”

Team: Mary Goode, Clare Parkhill, Bridget McKeever, Ciara O’Brien, Shirley McCay, Eimear Cregan, Emma Clarke, Nikki Symmons, Cathy McKean, Jenny McDonough, Louisa Moore.
Subs: Roisin Flinn, Julia O’Halloran, Niamh Small, Hollie Moffett and Emma Stewart.