Friday, April 18: A strong showing from Irish sides in their respective European club hockey competitions resulted in two wins from a possible three today, with Irish internationals playing abroad also enjoying success. Railway Union made history, grabbing the first win for an Irish club in the Women’s Euro Hockey League. Lisnagarvey began their EuroHockey Club Trophy I campaign with a comfortable win against Slavia Prague. And Loreto lost out narrowly to English side Hampstead & Westminster in Czechia.
Loreto faced what will likely be their toughest group stage in their opening game of the EuroHockey Club Trophy I in Czechia. The EY Hockey League Champions faced Hamstead & Westminster who currently sit top of the England Hockey League. Just a single goal separated the sides, with Catherine Ledesma’s first quarter goal enough to grab the points for Westminster. Loreto will now turn their attention to their second Pool Stage game on Sunday against Amiscora.
Railway Union made history in their second and final Euro Hockey League game. The Dublin side grabbed a historic first ever win for an Irish Club in the EHL, beating Sumchanka 1-0 thanks to a Lily Lloyd deflection from a penalty corner.
Back in Lisburn, Lisnagarvey put 7 past Slavia Prague to start their own EuroHockey Club Trophy I campaign off with a bang. Lisnagarvey showed their intent to add another European Trophy to their cabinet from the get-go, with Andrew Williamson grabbing a brace and Oliver Kidd also scoring to give them a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. A further four goals throughout the game coming from Jonny Lynch, Matthew Nelson, Andrew Edgar and Ryan Getty sealed a solid 7-1 win for the Ulster club.
Our Ireland Internationals playing abroad also enjoyed plenty of success today. Gantoise Men and Women picked up wins in their EHL Final 8 fixtures, with Hannah McLoughlin playing her part for the Women’s team and Sean Murray and Jaime Carr featuring for the Men. Niamh and Michelle Carey will also feature in the EHL Final 4 with their club Braxgata picking up a second win in two days, beating Club de Polo 2-1. David Harte’s HC Kampong also progressed, with the Ireland goalkeeper not featuring in their Final 8 tie today against Surbiton.