Ireland go down to Australia in FIH Pro League

Ireland were beaten 4-1 by Australia in their FIH Pro League clash on Thursday.

In the sixth fixture of the India phase of the tournament, the Aussies finished strongly in Rourkela to finish convincing winners.

Ireland head coach Mark Tumilty stated ahead of the match that the primary aim was to get into the final third more often. His side did precisely that in the first quarter forcing a long corner in the third minute.

After a good team move orchestrated by Daragh Walsh, Sean Murray got the final pass and forced two saves from keeper Andrew Charter.

Australia had their first real shot in anger in the ninth minute when James Milliken saved from Daniel Beale.

The Aussies forced their first penalty corner of the match in the 11th minute. Blake Govers shot from the corner was saved by Milliken as it remained a scoreless first quarter.

Australia started the second quarter well forcing their second penalty corner in the 17th minute - saved at the line by Milliken at the expense of another short corner.

They then forced their fifth penalty corner in the 21st minute; Govers shot towards the roof of the net but Milliken managed to keep it out with his raised stick at the expense of a long corner.

Ireland had a few circle entries as the half progressed and in the final minute before the interval had a shot across the goal mouth after a free hit.

Australia broke the dealock shortly after the reumption from their ninth penalty corner with Govers converting in the 33rd minute.

Nathan Ephraums converted another penalty corner in the 40th minute to increase the lead. But Ireland responded four minutes later when Shane O'Donoghue converted their first penalty corner.

Govers made it 3-1 in the 52nd minute before player of the match Jack Welch