Ireland: Irish women finish fourth in Korea
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| Irish Hockey |
June 16, 2005
RTÉ News
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The Irish senior women hockey team missed out on a bronze medal at the KT Cup in Korea, after going down 5-2 to China into today's third place play-off match.
As temperatures rose to 35 degrees, Ireland just hadn't enough in reserve against a side they had drawn 0-0 with earlier in the tournament.
Although Ireland had a better start to the game and looked to be in control, it was China who broke the dead lock on 21 minutes scoring from open play.
Only minutes later Ireland were nearly back on level terms when McDonough won a short corner and O'Brien's shot flashed just passed the post.
China then went 2-0 up on 28 minutes through a well-executed short corner routine.
The Chinese killed the Irish off when they fired goals either side of half time to make it 4-0.
Ireland's efforts were eventually rewarded 18 minutes into the second half when Parkhill's pass found Beaney in the circle, who in turn found the back of the net to claim her first goal for Ireland.
China extended their lead on 61 minutes and with two minutes left on the clock, good work by McVicker down the left found Burke on the edge of the circle who fired a consolation goal for her side.
"Six matches in eight days and the heat finally took its toll on the team, but they have had a good tournament," reflected Irish coach Riet Kuper.
"We started well today in the first 10 minutes but then China had us under a lot of pressure, especially in midfield.
"We gave away too many corners and made a few technical errors. However, in the second half we fought back well, as we have done throughout," Kuper added.
Before the game had commenced 100-cap Linda Caulfield was presented with a bouquet of flowers by the Irish ambassador to Korea, Mr Connor Francis Murphy.
"It was an honour to receive my 100th cap against the fourth ranked team in the world, in such a unique location," said Caulfield after the match.
Ireland team: Platt, O'Brien, Parkhill, McKeever, Connery, Carey, Caulfield, Burke, Symmons, Cregan, McVicker. Subs: Goode (62), Beaney (22), McDonough (12), Casey (22), Hodgins (61).
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