MEN'S HOCKEY:PHASE ONE of Ireland's EuroHockey Nation's Trophy was completed as a semi-final place and, with it, a world cup qualifier invitation were achieved in the most emphatic of styles.
An incredible 10-2 mauling of Italy yesterday, added to Saturday’s 2-1 defeat of Belarus means Ireland can enjoy their rest day on top of Pool A.
John Jermyn was the scorer-in-chief, clattering in four times to bring his tally to 12 goals in his last seven international outings and he will be hoping for a couple more tomorrow against Russia in what will be his 100th cap.
Jermyn brought his tally of Irish goals to 47 but he is still a long way off Stephen Butler’s record international goals haul and the Glenanne midfielder completed a memorable personal day with his 75th goal for his country.
Butler struck with five minutes to go to earmark his 152nd international cap, passing Paddy Brown’s record.
The strike took a slight deflection on the way to the backboard, with some among the Wrexham crowd believing Tim Lewis may have got the final touch.
The defender, though, was quick to point to the goalkeeper as the deflector, thus confirming Butler had an additional collector’s item in a career of records.
Earlier, Jermyn began the scoring with a drag-flick inside 75 seconds before Massimo Lanzano levelled matters with a penalty corner strike of his own.
But once Eugene Magee had restored the lead in the 15th minute, the Italians looked visibly deflated and Timmy Cockram and Jermyn took full advantage to make it 4-1 by half-time.
Six second-half goals saw Ireland home at a canter, with Jermyn adding two more to his day’s haul, while Mitch Darling and Magee also filled their boots.
Russia play Belarus today to complete the second series of matches in Pool A before Ireland get back into action tomorrow against the Russians.
IRELAND: D Harte, C Harte, R Gormley (capt), S Butler, J Brennan, J Jermyn, E Magee, G Shaw, T Cockram, A Sothern, T Lewis. Subs: J Jackson, P Caruth, D Hobbs, M Darling, G McCabe.
ITALY: A Marchi, J Lunetta, A Vargiu, A Nunez, A Nanni, F Ardito, L Perelli, M Lanzano, P Montagiano, W Cottam, M Cirina. Subs: L Asuni, S Tocco, D Cioli, D Malta, L Dussi.
RESULTS: Saturday: Pool A: Ireland 2 (J Jermyn, A Sothern) Belarus 1; Italy 3 Russia 6. Sunday: Ireland 10 (J Jermyn 4, E Magee 2, T Cockram, M Darling, S Butler) Italy 2 (M Lanzano, A Nunez).
Pool A standings: 1 Ireland 6pts (+8); 2 Russia 3pts (+3); 3 Belarus 0pts (-1); 4 Italy 0 pts (-10).
