The Irish women team is leading the three match test series against Canada. After a draw in match 1 (1-1), Ireland claimed a 2-0 victory in the second clash.
Match 1: Ireland – Canada 1-1
Ireland drew 1-1 with Canada in the first of the three test match series between the sides. Canada opened the scoring in the 7 minute when Tiffany Michaluk found the back of the net with a reverse stick strike beating Irish keeper Goode. Canada dominated the first quarter and from their second corner of the game Goode saved well. The Canadian keeper was called into action saving well from UCDs Roisin Flinn in the 25th minute and from Ireland first corner Michelle Harvey was again well saved by keeper Liu. Ireland had two further changes, in the 31st minute a diving Speers could not get on the end of an Elkin cross and two minutes later, after great work by McCay, Flinn and Speers failed to finish when left in a two and one with the Canadian keeper.
Ireland came out much stronger in the second half and should have scored when following good work from McKean and Jacob, Speers shot on foal was well blocked by Liu. In the 39th minute a Symmons drag flick from Irelands second PC was well saved. Ireland continued to dominate and in the 48th minute good work by Lizzie Colvin who played a lovely through ball to McKean but her strike on goal hit the post but Flinn pounced on the rebound to put Ireland level. Ireland created further chances but failed to convert.
After the game Irish Coach Gene Muller expressed his disappointment with some sloppy defending and the failure to convert the chances created but looked forward to the next two matches in the series
Match 2: Ireland – Canada 2-0
Ireland won their second match in the series against Canada at the National Hockey Stadum, UCD this evening. The start time had to be moved to 6pm due to the inclement conditions. Ireland started strongly forcing a series of corners and from their 4th Ciara O'Brien scored from a direct strike in the 13th minute. Nikki Symmons extended the lead following an attack down the right cracking home from the edge of the circle leaving the Canadian keeper with no chance. Ireland dominated play continuing to create chances forcing the Canadian keeper into several save.
The second half weather conditions were very difficult for both teams with Ireland forcing the only corner of the half when Symmons strike to the far post was missed by Mulligan. Ireland's keeper Healy saved well as she was called into action from a Canadian breakaway mid way through the half.
Source: Irish Hockey Association
