Author: alangood

Ireland turned on the style to blitz Russia 4-0 and top their pool on goal difference from hosts France at the Champions Challenge II in Lille yesterday.

Ireland’s tournament hoodoo against France almost resurfaced before Eugene Magee saved the day with the last touch of the match in a 2-2 Champions Challenge II draw in Lille yesterday.

Pakistan hitman Sohail Abbas gunned down Ireland in the UCD Four Nations final on Saturday; but then insisted he’s never seen Paul Revington’s side in better nick. David Harte (above) took home the tournament’s MVP award while the women’s side ended the Champions Challenge in sixth place – one above their pre-tournament seeding – after losing out narrowly to South Africa.

Ireland ensured their pool stage progress wasn’t in vain as they edged out Azerbaijan 1-0 to earn a shot at fifth place in at the Champions Challenge I at a sodden Belfield, while the men will hope to have found some chinks in Pakistan’s armour ahead of tomorrow’s UCD 4 Nations final following a 2-1 loss last night.

Gene Muller’s misgivings over the format of the Champions Challenge I were confirmed in galling style as his Ireland side were dumped out of contention at the quarter-final stage by the USA on a 3-1 scoreline at Belfield last night. There was better news for the men, as they thrashed France 6-1 in an impressive performance on Tuesday.