Saturday, June 13 – Rotterdam, The Netherlands: The Ireland Women’s hockey team endured a difficult return to FIH Hockey Pro League action in Rotterdam, succumbing to a 7-0 defeat to hosts and World #1 The Netherlands.
World #1 the Netherlands were quick out of the blocks, turning over the ball deep in Irish territory and playing a quick one-two inside the circle to leave Xan de Waard free to flick into the back of the net. A second came just two minutes after, as the Dutch split the Irish defence in two with a long ball up the pitch, with Luna Fokke free on the back post to deflect in.
The Netherlands’ attacking efficiency continued as they secured the first penalty corner of the game, Yibbi Jansen calling Ayeisha McFerran into action to make a good save. McFerran denied the Dutch again soon after, followed by another smart save from a penalty corner in the eight minute to keep the game at 2-0.
An unforced error in midfield from Ireland allowed The Netherlands to break, Frederique Matla firing on her reverse from the top of the circle. McFerran reacted quickly to charge down the first effort, but the ball trickled underneath her pads to give Pien Dicke a tap in from the loose ball.
The Netherlands almost had a fourth to close out the opening quarter, but Sarah McAuley did superbly to block the effort at goal on the line and clear with the help of Lisa Mulcahy.
Ireland made the necessary adjustments before quarter 2 and dealt well with the Dutch attacking efforts. Two penalty corners in the eighth minute provided The Netherlands their best chances at goal, with McFerran saving the first, but Yibbi Jansen eventually finding the back of the net to add a fourth for her side, and a ninth in the FIH Hockey Pro League this season.
Ireland, though, remained positive in their press, Sarah Torrans winning the ball high up the field ad releasing Niamh Carey to run at the Dutch defence. Carey almost fed Torrans inside the circle, but the Dutch intervened and cleared their lines.
Ireland were positive early in the second half, attacking down the flanks and working the ball into the circle on two occasions early on, but couldn’t find the space to test Dutch goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal. The Netherlands regained control, however, playing three quick first time passes inside the Irish circle for Pien Dicke to deflect in. A sixth came courtesy of a penalty corner for the Netherlands, Luna Fokke getting her second of the game.
The Netherlands began the final quarter with three successive penalty corners, but the Irish defensive unit did well to deny them with each effort. The Netherlands remained relentless, reacting quickest to a Holly Micklem save to find the back of the net.
Ireland, though, enjoyed a number of attacking opportunities to close out the game, the best of which resulting in a penalty corner. An askew injection forced Ireland to switch the ball to Hannah McLoughlin whose effort at goal was saved.
Ireland will face The Netherlands again tomorrow, June 14 at 12:30 Irish Time in their second of four FIH Hockey Pro League matches in Rotterdam.
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