SANTOMERA Test Matches Women
Ireland v India
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After a 1-1 draw in their previous match, a determined Indian Women’s Hockey Team notched up a sensational 3-0 victory against 2018 Women’s World Cup Silver Medalists Ireland in their last match of Spain Tour .
India’s attacking prowess stretched the Irish defenders right from the start as the forwardline made potential forays into the striking circle. India’s Navjot Kaur found the first breakthrough for India when she converted a splendid field goal in the 13th minute to help India take a 1-0 lead.
An Indian infringement in the second quarter saw Ireland being awarded a PC but was well-saved by India’s defence. In the 26th minute, a timely assist by the experienced Deep Grace Ekka helped Reena Khokar double India’s lead to 2-0 ahead of the 10-minute half-time break.
India continued to keep up a discipline structure but in the melee gave away a PC to Ireland only minutes into the third quarter. But India’s strong defence kept an Irish goal at bay. The final quarter saw India set up a powerful attack that fetched them a PC which was well-converted by Gurjit Kaur who was the highest goal scorer for India in this Tour.
“I am proud of the team because playing six matches in nine days can be very difficult and the last two matches we have played without our Skipper Rani who has a shoulder strain. Today we were particularly good as we controlled the whole match and had them in our circle only six times. We have played good structure, with good disciplined hockey. One of the things we have improved in this tour is personal leadership and taking responsibility. I am not only seeing the score, it’s good to win 3-0 but I am happy with individual performances,” expressed an elated Sjoerd Marijne, Chief Coach Indian Women’s Hockey Team.
