2nd August 2009
EUROHOCKEY NATIONS TROPHY (Men)
DAY 2: Sunday 2 August 2009
Ten goal Ireland thrash Italy
Ireland virtually assured a place in the semi-finals as they cut loose against Italy, winning out 10-2. John Jermyn bagged four goals - he now has 12 strikes in his last seven international appearances - in a rampant display while Stephen Butler - on the occasion of his 152nd cap - celebrated breaking the international caps record with a 65' corner strike.
Jermyn's started the deluge within 75 seconds of the start from a penalty corner. Italy briefly fought back with Massimo Lanzano scoring with a drag-flick of his own.
But when Eugene Magee completed David Hobbs' cross and Timmy Cockram rolled in to finish off a superb counter-attack the writing was on the wall. Jermyn bagged two more at corner time while Magee, Peter Caruth and Mitch Darling all picked up second half goals in a famous win. Italy's second goal brought the score to 5-2 in the 45' when Agustin Nunez latched onto a mistake by Conor Harte.
Reporter: Stephen Findlater
For photos of this match visit www.fidopics.co.uk and click 'Euro Hockey Nations'
| 15.30 | A | Ireland | 10 | Italy | 2 | |
Battle of the keepers ends in a draw
Wales were denied a second straight win by the towering Czech Republic goalkeeper Filip Neusser who pulled off a series of top drawer saves in a direct duel with Saturday’s hero Rick Gay. Neusser blocked out six drag-flicks - five from Gay’s stick and one from Rufus McNaught-Barrington - while a seventh effort on goal was batted off the line by Tomas Prochazka late on to ensure the draw which leaves both side on four points. Gay and Neusser set the tone early on, the Welsh sweeper's low effort brilliantly tipped out for a long corner. Prochazka then slung in the Czech's first corner of the day in the 14' for 1-0. Wales responded well, the lead lasting four minutes before Ben Croxall drew Neusser from his goal before applying a sublime chip over the keeper. Nip and tuck until the break, Gay drew another spectacular diving save while the respective number 12's - David Vacek and Lewis Prosser - went within inches as they sniffed around the flick spot.
Wales controlled the majority of territory in the second half but six corners went uncompleted - most notably the fourth of the game, which was bashed home on the rebound only to be chalked off for crossing. George Harris earned his salt at the other end, denying Vacek's roof-bound deflection with an outstretched palm and recovered brilliantly to clear the ball in mid-air to prevent any second phase developments. The Czechs, indeed, grew into the second period and the right-wing combination work of Jakub Kyndal and Daniel Piterak yielded a pair of corners - one of which required a top Gay save off the line. And he had one final chance to seal the deal in the 67'. This time he beat Neusser only to find the stick of Prochazka.
Wales play Switzerland on Tuesday with the semi-final spot still up for grabs.
Reporter: Stephen Findlater
For photos of this match visit www.fidopics.co.uk and click 'Euro Hockey Nations'
| 18.00 | B | Czech Republic | 1 | Wales | 1 | |
Back to tournament match overview
Note: Match schedule subject to amendment at the discretion of EHF or the Tournament Director.
