Ireland bumped back to earth by clinical Great Britain

Ireland began the final round of FIH Pro League Series matches by falling to a 5-1 defeat against Great Britain at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London.

Ireland got off to a good start, but it was Great Britain who opened the scoring through debutant Henry Croft in the 12th minute. Phil Roper added a second on 18 minutes before Ireland responded through Ben Walker two minutes later.

Sam Ward made it 3-1 in the 22nd minute and he added another when he converted a penalty corner in the 32nd minute. Gareth Furlong added a fifth from another penalty corner in the 58th minute.

For Great Britain, this was only their fifth game in this season's FIH Pro League, and their points return from their opening four games was small enough that on the current table they were in ninth place in the table below Ireland. For Ireland this was match 13 of 18 and they went into this series having picked up six league points from two wins in Antwerp over hosts Belgium, who were ranked second in the world in the most recent rankings list.

Ireland started off well on Saturday and won the first penalty corner of the match in the fourth minute. Luke Madeley shot wide with his drag flick. Midway through the quarter Ireland had enjoyed good possession, but Jacob Draper for Great Britain broke up one move and launched an aerial which was contested by Timothy Marshall and Ireland's Kyle Marshall.

The umpire awarded a hit out to Ireland. The British captain asked for a video referral seeking a penalty stroke. The on-field umpire's decision was upheld, and Great Britain lost their video referral. The opening goal of the game, when it arrived, was somewhat against the run of play. Jack Waller sped down the left wing and crossed to Croft, who rifled