Having endured a spell of freak weather in the opening days of their training camp in San Diego - torrential rain, thunder and lightning and gale force winds - the Irish team produced a highly encouraging display against the United States in the first of their two official internationals at the American Olympic Training Centre in Chula Vista.
The 1-1 draw yesterday, against a team they will meet at next month's Olympic Qualifier in Milton Keynes, is a significant boost to the morale of the Irish squad, not least because the Americans' preparations for the qualifier are much more advanced - they are in the middle of a month long training camp at Chula Vista and won all five matches they played against Canada over the past fortnight.
Kim Mills gave Ireland the lead after 14 minutes, firing home from the right of the circle after being picked out by a Laura Brown free. The team was later denied a blatant penalty stroke when Arlene Thompson's shot from a corner was stopped on the line by a defender's foot (the same defender limped away).
Tara Jelley levelled for the USA from a penalty corner in the 46th minute but Ireland dominated the game, winning six corners to the USA's three, and almost snatched a win when Lynsey McVicker's shot from a Linda Caulfield cross shaved the post.
"We played really well and were on top of them for most of the game," said coach Riet Kuper. "Everyone is in good spirits after that performance, although we know we still have a long way to go. They were without Tracey Fuchs and Kelli James so, if they play, they will be stronger in the next match, but I think we will be too."
Kuper praised the entire team for their display but picked out right back Linda Caulfield for special mention. "If she keeps progressing like this then she will be a very big player for us." Meanwhile Britain's preparations for the World Cup Qualifier received a number of blows this week. First Scottish striker and 1996 Olympian Rhona Simpson broke her left arm while training with the British squad, ending her hopes of making it to Milton Keynes.
Also the English Hockey Association was offered only Stg£75,000 of Lottery money to help towards the staging of the event, when they had expected to be given the full grant of Stg£200,000. The Association is now likely to incur a major financial loss and have not been helped by the BBC's decision not to cover the tournament. Eurosport have, however, agreed to televise the latter stages of the competition.
On the club front Harlequins and UCC, who have met in the last six Munster Senior Cup finals, face each other at the quarter-final stage of the competition this weekend. Belvedere meet the winners of the University of Limerick v Church of Ireland match but the Church of Ireland II v Harlequins II tie is in doubt and is likely to be postponed until next week.
In Ulster Jordanstown, who have won 15 league matches in-arow, can clinch promotion to Section One this weekend if they take just a point against Banbridge while there is a full league programme in Leinster, with leaders Old Alexandra facing Trinity at Milltown.
