Ireland beaten in thrilling encounter

Ireland lost their opening match of the test series against Belgium in a pulsating game at Waterloo Ducks hockey club on Saturday afternoon.

Ireland got of to the worst possible start when they conceded a penalty corner in the first minute and Belgium converted with a low drag flick into the bottom right hand corner.

Ireland were unlucky not to equalise from a third minute short corner when Stephen Butler's drag effort hit the underside of the cross bar. Ireland's equaliser came finally in the tenth minute from Eugene Magee after Alan Sothern broke into the circle along the back line to cross into Magee for the tap in.

Belgium went ahead again in 18th minute when another penalty corner drag flick went firing into the bottom left of Ireland's goal. Ireland equalised immediately from the restart through Mitch Darling. David Hobbs threw a direct aerial to Darling and he found himself alone in the circle. He rounded the keeper and reversed into the net to bring the sides level at two all.

Belgium took the lead again in 24th minute following a goal mouth scramble which gave them the edge once again at 3-2.

Ireland were unlucky not to equalise three minutes later when Timmy Cockram's drag flick was denied by the left hand post. Ireland continued to make chances and had a golden opportunity to level at three all when they secured a penalty corner on the half time whistle but Butler's conversion effort was deflected wide.

Ireland took the game to Belgium in the second half, dominating possession, but they squandered numerous chances. The boys in green deservedly equalised in 66th minute with a David Hobbs deflection coming from a great cross by Graham Shaw.

Ireland played the remainder of the game pressing for another goal but they were caught in the counter attack twice in quick succession with just two minutes on the board, allowing Belgium to add two goals to their tally just before the final whistle.

Commenting after the game, Ireland coach Paul Revington said 'The team will benefit immensely from an increased tempo of game today. I was very disappointed that the team did not take enough of their numerous chances in the second half.'

Ireland will play Belgium again on Sunday at 12pm Irish time.