Men's Hockey:Ireland now know what they are up against this summer when they travel to Manchester for the European Championships in August.
Having taken on the mighty Dutch national side this week at Pinoke HC, Amsterdam, they have experienced the level of play that they are expected to produce in just four months' time (August 18th-26th). The 3-0 defeat was not surprising as Ireland took time to adjust to the better technical abilities and quicker pace of the Dutch.
While Holland got the first of their three goals in the 28th minute from a penalty corner through Walter Jolie, Ireland did manage to create chances of their own in attack and gained a few penalty corners.
Failure to convert ultimately left them empty-handed at half-time. Holland scored their second goal just after the break from open play and copper-fastened their victory with just over 10 minutes remaining, Timma Hoynge finding the net, again from open play.
But, rightfully, coach Dave Passmore was positive about the result as the game was against a side that are ranked fourth in the world and are current Champions Trophy holders and former World Champions.
Three goals in modern hockey is not the large margin it might have been 15 years ago and the result could be seen in a positive light.
Doubtlessly Ireland have to go up a level and begin to convert set-pieces at a greater rate to get anything out of their group, where they are paired against Spain first, then Holland and finally France before the cross-over stages take place.
"The players went out and competed well. It took us a while to get used to the fast Dutch pace, but then we managed to create some chances but were unable to convert," said Passmore.
Given too that Ireland's preparation was hampered by bad weather and that they travelled to Amsterdam without both John Jermyn, a short-corner specialist, and David Hobbs, the result was disappointing but far from discouraging.
FIXTURES: Saturday: Leinster Senior League: Division One - Bray v Pembroke Wanderers, 1.30, Loreto Bray; Dublin University v Glenanne, 2pm, Santry; Monkstown v Corinthians, 1.30pm, Rathdown; Fingal v Railway Union, 2.15pm, ALSAA; YMCA v TRR, 2.30pm, Claremont Road. Sunday: Leinster Intermediate Cup Final - Corinthians v Pembroke Wanderers, 12.0, Serpentine Avenue; Leinster Junior Cup Final - Weston v Avoca, 2pm, Serpentine Avenue; Leinster Minor Cup Final - South East Wanderers v Weston, 4pm, Serpentine Avenue; Railway Cup Semi Finals - TRR v Monkstown, 3.15pm, Grange Road; Fingal v Pembroke Wanderers, 2pm, ALSAA.
