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.
Ireland’s upward mobility continued apace as they drew 1-1 with Spain to top their group at the women’s Champions Challenge I at UCD last night.
The feel-good factor for Irish hockey continued as the men extended their unbeaten run to eight games in 2011 – and a fourth win in four days – as they produced four scintillating goals to beat China on day one of the UCD 4 Nations Cup
A year on from an ill-fated battle with India, Gene Muller is excited about the prospect of getting one back on the Asian side this Saturday in Ireland’s Champion’s Challenge I opener.
Ian Sloan, Stephen West and Kyle Good all look set to make their bows in green as Paul Revington has named what looks ostensibly to be a squad of probables and one of possibles for the back-to-back tournaments coming up this week as the build-up to August’s European championships heightens.
The days where an Irish club might be seen at the finals weekend of the biggest club competition in world hockey might be some way off yet, but there will nonetheless be some local interest as the EuroHockey League draws to a close this weekend.