Madeley double gets Ireland off to flyer

Shane Madeley (pictured) struck twice for Ireland’s U-16 to spearhead an opening day 3-0 victory in the Four Nations tournament in Largs, Scotland.

The Three Rock Rovers forward netted eight minutes in before Darren Sweetnam doubled the advantage 20 minutes into the game.

The side soaked up some serious pressure from the home side, Mark Ingram pulling off a string of saves before Madeley made the game safe in the last ten minutes with a fine solo effort.

On the girl’s side, Rebecca Barry’s reverse-stick shot and Amy-Kate Trevor’s penalty corner goal gave Ireland a 2-0 half-time lead but they were stung by two second half strikes – the second coming with three minutes from time – and settled for a share of the spoils.

The first came from a controversially awarded stroke at the top of the circle in the 50th minute. Ireland won seven corners to Scotland's nil on the night to leave coach Una McCarthy frustrated with the result but not the performance.

"It was a disappointing result but a young team played good hockey and were in control for long periods of the game, creating numerous chances... a learning experience."

Both Irish sides today face England who began with two wins over Wales.

U-16 Four Nations results:
Boys
Ireland 3 (S Madeley 2, D Sweetnam) Scotland 0; Wales 0 England 6

Girls
Ireland 2 (R Barry, A-K Trevor) Scotland 2 (H Hall, G Morton-Lloyd); Wales 3 England 5