Ireland 2 New Zealand 1

A refreshed Ireland team tore into New Zealand from the start creating chances right from the start. A brilliant run by Loreto ’s Cathy McKean picking up in her own half driving into the New Zealand circle and winning Ireland first and only penalty corner of the game.

From the resulting corner a fine strike from Louisa Moore was superbly saved by the NZ keeper. With five minutes to the break Niamh Small created an attack down the right was supported by O’Brien who drove into the circle and released a great ball to Moore who made no mistake to put Ireland 1-0 at half time.

New Zealand took control after the break, forcing Healy into regular action and equalising from open play in the 40th minute.

Ireland continued to counter attack using the aerial ball to great effect down both flanks. McDonough and Flinn both had chances but were thwarted by an alert New Zealand defence.

But in the 54th minute, after great work by McDonough, Julia O’Halloran gave the keeper no chance with a wonderful strike to put Ireland 2-1 up.

Irish Coach Muller commented afterwards “This was very satisfying win for the team we have worked hard this year and to win against the World’s 7th ranked team is a great boost.”

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