Michael Watt justified his selection in the Irish squad in stunning fashion as Ireland broke their French hoodoo in spectacular fashion at hockey’s Olympic Qualifying tournament in New Zealand.
Watt was on the scoresheet twice as Ireland won 4-0 following his surprise inclusion at the expense of former vice-captain Mark Irwin
Tempers frayed as Irish skipper Paddy Brown and France’s Martin Genestet were sin-binned, bringing back memories of the sides previous encounter where France were reduced to eight men.
But Irleland were dominant throughout with Mark Gleghorne opened the scoring after just eight minutes with a drag-flick. Dutch-based John Jermyn doubled the lead early in the second half with a delightful shot over the keeper to make it 2-0.
Watt added the third, diving full length to deflect Iain Lewers long ball home before
completing the scoring with a tap-in after the ball rebounded off the post.
Watt was on the scoresheet twice as Ireland won 4-0 following his surprise inclusion at the expense of former vice-captain Mark Irwin
Tempers frayed as Irish skipper Paddy Brown and France’s Martin Genestet were sin-binned, bringing back memories of the sides previous encounter where France were reduced to eight men.
But Irleland were dominant throughout with Mark Gleghorne opened the scoring after just eight minutes with a drag-flick. Dutch-based John Jermyn doubled the lead early in the second half with a delightful shot over the keeper to make it 2-0.
Watt added the third, diving full length to deflect Iain Lewers long ball home before
completing the scoring with a tap-in after the ball rebounded off the post.It is the perfect possible start for the Irish in their quest for Olympic qualification - something they have not acheived since 1908 in London when they won silver - beating one of the three sides with a higher world ranking.
Ireland Coach Dave Passmore said “I was pleased with many aspects of our performance but we needed to hold possession for longer at key moments but a good start none the less”
7 comments:
Well done lads and particularly Micheal. You're doing Ireland proud!
fantastic result! come on you boys in green
i was watching the text commentary live ast night....seemed like the differnce was that Ireland were more clinical. Cracking result...long may it continue
Just heard the result on Newstalk. Go on the LADS!! Brilliant result...keep it going..
I was at the game. Was fairly close but Ireland deserved the win in the end after putting away their chances and defending well. Heading out to the NZ game now, will be a much more difficult game altogether.
I was at the game. Ireland defended well and put away their chances. The NZ game will be much tougher!
fair play
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