Flinn saves Ireland’s blushes

Roisin Flinn celebrated her return to the Irish senior women’s hockey team by grabbing the equalising goal as the hosts were held to a 1-1 draw by Canada in the first of a three-game series at Belfield earlier today. UCD forward Flinn, back on home soil after some time off travelling, slotted home from close range after Cathy McKean had struck an upright in the 48th minute. Flinn had also been on target in Ireland A’s 2-0 win over the same opposition earlier this week, a match that suggested the senior side wouldn’t be troubled too much by the Canucks. But the visitors took a shock seventh-minute lead thanks to Tiffany Michaluk’s stinging reverse yesterday, and although Ireland dominated thereafter they spurned a series of chances, with Flinn and Alex Speers the main culprits. They criminally failed to convert a two-on-one with Canadian keeper Azelia Liu in the first half, while Ireland found the visitors netminder in inspired form overall, as she saved well from penalty corner efforts by Michelle Harvey and Nikki Symmons. Irish coach Gene Muller lamented his side’s failure to convert their opportunities, and will be hoping for better when the sides clash again tomorrow afternoon (2.30pm).