Three Rock Rovers pulled off one of the biggest results in Irish hockey’s recent history by holding tournament favourites Atletic Terassa to a scoreless draw in their opening EuroHockey League (EHL) encounter in Lille earlier today.
The Dubliners proved more than a match for their illustrious Spanish opponents, with Lucas Piccioli and Michael Maguire both going close to stealing all three points.
But they had to survive a deluge of attacks in the closing minutes, with Ignasi Guerreroseeing a goal chalked off after a free was taken from an incorrect position, while Charlie Henderson did superbly to tip a Xavi Rivas drag over the bar.
However, it looked like curtains when Terassa were awarded a penalty stroke due to a short corner offence after the final hooter.
Ribas stepped up, but amazingly fired wide of the top corner, meaning a draw against Belgian champions KHC Leuven tomorrow (11.30am) will be good enough to see Rovers progress to round two, an unprecedented achievement in Irish club hockey.
Highlights of the match available here.
