Men's HockeyAFTER A spirited performance against Germany in Mannheim yesterday, Ireland went down 3-2 in the first of their friendly matches.

Germany had the better of possession in the first half but Johnny Bruton gave Ireland the lead in the 31st minute. Germany equalised in the 34th, to make it 1-1 at half time.

The game ebbed and flowed in the second half and Stralkowski gave the home side a 2-1 lead from a penalty corner rebound before Rabente made it 3-1 in the 57th minute. Teenager Ian Sloan grabbed Ireland’s second in the 67th minute from open play.

Ireland play again today against the Germany Under-21 side before taking on the full German squad again tomorrow.