Tuesday, May 28th: Our IRL U21 Women’s squad travelled to Glasgow last Friday to play a 3 match series against Scotland U21W. This series was the first set of matches the squad have had this year and, as such played a pivotal part in the preparation process as they continue to build towards the EuroHockey U21 Championships this July.
The series began with a closely fought contest that concluded 1 -1. IRL started the brighter of the two sides, they managed to open the scoring in the first quarter through Milla Fulton who managed to slip the ball under the Scottish keeper. The scoreline was locked at 1 – 0 despite Ireland being on top. Scotland managed to grab a late equaliser in the final quarter to level the game.
Game 2 was similar in many respects. IRL led thanks to a pair of very well executed penalty corners. Lucy Mackey delivered an excellent ball for Milla Fulton to deflect home for the first goal. Scotland responded with a goal of their own. IRL regained the lead, again, in part thanks to a pinpoint delivery from Mackey, who this time swept the ball to Leah O’Shea to touch home. However, IRL allowed Scotland back into the game and the hosts capitalised scoring their second resulting in another draw, this time 2 – 2.
The toughest game of the series came last for our IRL U21W. A slow start allowed Scotland to immediately gain a foothold in the game, building up a two goal lead before IRL managed to get up to speed. IRL gradually improved, manufacturing several chances, the best of which hit the post from a Milla Fulton solo run. A penalty corner also led to a stroke that IRL also failed to convert. A late chance for Tory Byrne delivered by Lauren Moore looked like a prime opportunity to give IRL a route back into the game but the Scottish keeper deny Byrne’s attempt. The game finished 2 – 0.
Focus now shifts as our IRL U21 Women welcome France. They will compete in a 3 match series – The Goodbody Series – in Cork beginning May 29th at 18:00.
Game 1: Ireland U21 vs France – 18:00 – The Mardyke, UCC
Game 2: Ireland U21 vs France – 16:00 – The Mardyke, UCC
Game 3: Ireland U21 vs France – 12:00 – Mount Mercy College, Cork