Ireland 2-0 Canada
Ireland beat their Rio pool opponents Canada in the first of four test matches at the the Playball, Stormont.
David Carter, in the Canadian goal, was the busier keeper, making top class saves to deny the Irish on numerous occasions.
The corner count was eight-five in favour of Ireland but no goals came from any of the set-pieces.
In the first and second quarters the teams were evenly matched with the game scoreless at half-time.
Ireland dominated for large parts of the third quarter but could not break through a well-marshalled defence.
The fourth quarter saw Ireland camped in the Canadian half and just when the game looked as if it would end in a draw a grandstand finish by the Green Machine claimed victory.
First, Michael Watt deflected a rasping shot by Mitch Darling past Carter for the lead in the 59th minute and seconds later a backing was roofed by John Jackson to double the lead.
The teams will meet again on Friday evening at the same and venue.
Ireland: D Harte, Jacskon, Watt, CArgo, Watkins, Jermyn, Caruth, O Donoghxue, Bell, C Harte, Loughrey.
Subs: Gormley, Shimmins, Darling, Good, Gleghorne, S Cole (Fitzgerald Not used)
Canada: D CArter, Tupper, Ho Garcia, Hildreth, Pereria, Froese, Johnston, Bissett, Pearson, Sarmento, Guest.
Subs: Martin, Noronha Teixera, Gill, Smythe, Panesar, Curran, Kindler.
