Frustrating end for Muller's side

HOCKEY:SO MUCH for heading to South Africa to escape the inclement weather at home: torrential rain and wind forced the abandonment of Ireland's final Tri-Nations match, against Belgium, in Johannesburg yesterday. The officials called the game off at half-time. By then the score was 1-1, Sofie Gierts' penalty corner giving the Belgians the lead after 18 minutes, Nikki Evans levelling 11 minutes later with a reverse stick strike.

It was a frustrating end to a trip that produced mixed results for the side as they build towards next month’s Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgium, their only win in their five (completed) games coming in their training match against the hosts. They scored just four in 385 minutes of hockey, although coach Gene Muller was encouraged by a “solid” defence.

The two defeats to Belgium, though, were worrisome, suggesting a nation Ireland would have beaten comfortably enough in the past are now a trickier proposition as they prepare to host the Olympic qualifier in Beerschot. Spain (11th in the world) are the only team in the line-up ranked above Ireland (14), the Belgians (16), Russia (21), France (25), Mexico (30) all below them. Ireland play Belgium in their final pool match in the qualifier, and if those rankings are anything to go by, whoever prevails is likely to be Spain’s challenger for the one available spot for London 2012.

Muller takes the squad to Beerschot later this month for a two-day training camp.

At home, the game of the weekend is the meeting of Loreto and UCD – third and second, respectively, in the Leinster first division. UCD are two points behind leaders Railway Union but they have a game in hand. Loreto, too, have played one game less than Railway, but they trail by four points. Railway are at home to second-from-bottom Glenanne.

Eight points adrift of Railway, Hermes’ hopes of retaining their title are all but gone, the club suffering more than any due to international call-ups, six of their players on duty in South Africa. Loreto, too, have been hit hard by the international schedule, Liz Colvin, Nicci Daly, Louisa Healy and Nikki Symmons also in South Africa, with Railway coping without three of their key players.

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Tomorrow – Leinster League, Division One: Loreto v UCD, Beaufort, 2.15; Corinthian v Hermes, Whitechurch, 2.30; Railway Union v Glenanne, Park Avenue, 2.45; Old Alexandra v Three Rock, Milltown, 3.0; Trinity v Pembroke, Milltown, 4.30.

Irish Junior Cup – Second round: Hermes II v Railway Union II, Booterstown, 1.30; Cork Harlequins II v Loreto II, Harlequin Park, 1.0; Ballymoney II v Church of Ireland, Joey Dunlop Centre, 1.0; Galway II v Corinthian II, Dangan, 1.0; Pembroke Wanderers v UCD II, Serpentine Avenue, 3.30; Dromore II v Pegasus II, Ferris Park, 2.30; Bandon II v Trinity, Bandon Grammar, 1.0; Randalstown II v Catholic Institute II, Antrim Forum, 1.0.