Irish Hockey

By Graham Hamilton

MARK Irwin is getting into the habit of scoring crucial match-winners late in the game.

Almost two weeks ago he claimed the winning goal for his club, Instonians to earn promotion from the European Club Championship Division C.

And last night he completed Ireland's second-half comeback to give them a 2-1 win over Italy in the Tri-Nations Championship opener in Cork.

Ireland trailed at the interval but after Stephen Butler equalised, Irwin started and finished a neatly worked goal to keep alive their hopes of winning the Tri-Nations trophy.

Irish coach Dave Passmore had the bulk of his experienced players on board for this weekend, but it was the Italians who led 1-0 at the interval from a Federico Ardito, who finished off a penalty corner in the 21st minute.

The Irish midfield wasn't functioning well and the only chances they created were when Lisnagarvey's Timmy Cockram was put through but goalkeeper Flavio Cisilo came out to save and then Justin Sherriff unleashed a powerful shot but Cisilo stuck out a foot to deny him.

The equaliser finally came in 54 minutes when Butler's penalty corner thudded against the backboard.

And within five minutes the Irish were ahead. Mark Black and Irwin combined to put Sherriff clear and he unselfishly squared for Irwin to crash it home.

Canada are the third team in this championship and will give Passmore's team an even harder challenge tomorrow.

Rate This Article

Select Here  5 Stars  (Best Rating)   4 Stars   3 Stars   2 Stars   1 Star  (Worst Rating)

Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.