Double European gold for Irish clubs

"ALL week they stayed out of the sun, stayed under water and stayed off the beer, but I suspect they'll be back on it tonight," said a jubilant David Judge after his Old Alexandra team won gold at the European Cup Winners' Cup (B Division) in Rome yesterday, beating Belgium's Royal Leopold 2-0 in the final.

Further north, in Milan, Pegasus also struck gold after a superb 3-1 win over French champions Stade Francais in the final of the European Club Championships (B Division), completing a wonderful Easter for Irish club hockey.

A goal in each half from Marissa Ahern and Richelle Flanagan gave Alexandra their first European medal of any colour, at their third attempt, in a game that started out as an evenly balanced contest but was dominated by the Dublin side in the second half, thanks largely to Susan Keogh and Jan Perrin's midfield displays.

Cathy Curran's interception of a Belgian pass in her own half began the move that led to the opening score in the 15th minute. The defender played the ball upfield to Trish Conway on the left and her cross was met by Ahern who fired an unstoppable shot past the Belgian goalkeeper.

Despite rarely threatening Jenny King in goal, forcing just two short corners in the course of the game, Leopold proved a useful side and it was only when Alexandra switched tactics in the second half, moving the ball out wide at every opportunity, did they gain control of the match.

Richelle Flanagan finally converted that domination into a second score 20 minutes from time when she collected a pass on the right of the circle, beat two defenders and fired home to clinch gold for her team. Conway also found the net soon after but the umpire had already awarded Alexandra a short corner, denying the forward a much deserved goal.

The celebrations were no less rowdy in Milan where Irish international Claire McMahon sent Pegasus on their way to victory with two first half goals against Stade Francais. Joanne Campbell sealed gold 10 minutes from time with the Belfast team's third goal, before the French snatched a consolation score at the death.

There was yet more success for Irish hockey at the European Youth Trophy in Belfast where the under-18 team secured a top six finish by beating Belgium 3-2 in the play-offs. The win guaranteed Ireland's place in the A division amongst the elite of European hockey, an outstanding achievement by Erika Henry's young side.

The under-16 team ended their European Youth Trophy campaign in Antwerp with a 2-0 defeat by Belgium but they had already secured their place in the A division by beating Scotland on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Irish senior side registered their third victory over Scotland in three days at Lisburn, winning their final challenge match 3-0.