ENGLAND won the Sharwoods-sponsored centenary trophy at UCD when they followed up their 2-1 victory over Ireland on Saturday with a 1-1 draw yesterday. This match never really got into any rhythm and was a disappointment after Saturday's great game.
The worst aspect was the goal Ireland conceded. It resulted from appalling defending, which left Mellanie Clewlow unmarked at the top of the circle. She hit a marvellous shot which goalkeeper Allison Vance had little hope of stopping.
This goal came one minute into the second half, and was doubly frustrating for Ireland, as they had dominated the first half and scored after 17 minutes from a short corner. Sarah Kelleher struck a super shot from the top left hand of the circle.
Terry Gregg, the Ireland coach, rotated the two forward positions between Mary Logue, Claire McMahon, Jenny Burke and Tamara Stronge. This tactic did not pay dividends even if it did produce a number of chances at goal.
"We are still missing opportunities even though we are creating more chances than last year, " Gregg said. "Until we take our chances we will remain picking up runners-up medals."
The coach did see some positive aspects from this weekend. "We played much more constructive hockey than the English did," he said. He was however disappointed with the outcome of the matches.
Yesterday's game was very scrappy mainly because both teams were making a number of very poor passes which handed the opposition possession. This prevented either side from building up a sustained attack. When Ireland did pressurise the English goal, they did not seem to have a plan for getting into the circle.
A last-gasp attempt at for Claire McMahon when she made a stirring solo run which she was unable to complete.
Saturday's match was an excellent display of hockey even if the scoreline was unsatisfactory to the home crowd. Ireland were full of energy and vigour. They were very unlucky not to have levelled matters or move into the lead as they had a number of good chances of scoring.
Ireland's task was made very difficult as early as the fourth minute as they conceded a penalty stroke which Jackie Crook put away. An equaliser materialised three minutes from half time when Claire Sam ways made no mistake in converting a penalty. The decisive breakthrough came early in the second half when Catherine James scored an excellent goal from a run which had begun from defence.
The main problem of Ireland's game then was that the players held on to the ball for too long before passing it. They were therefore caught by the defenders and the advantageous position which had been created was lost.
