World number one side Australia kept a game Ireland at bay with a controlled performance in Paris yesterday afternoon, Chris Ciriello’s second half penalty corner double ensuring they began their INSEP Five Nations challenge with a win.
Attempting to back up a famous victory over Korea, Ireland were rocked early when Mark Paterson’s snap-shot found its way in in the fourth minute. The Aussies tempo was that bit higher and Jacob Whetton grabbed a second before the break while Ciriello made it 3-0 in the 37th minute.
A superb Irish move saw Timmy Cockram and Eugene Magee intertwine, setting up Mikey Watt for his third of the tournament.
But Australia – who were captained by Dublin-born Fergus Kavanagh – quickly manipulated another corner which Ciriello converted with 20 minutes to go, rendering John Jermyn’s final minute effort academic.
Ireland remain on top of the five-team pool on goals scored but have played a game more than each of their rivals. They play again on Friday against world number eleven-side Argentina.