Ireland (11) v (7) Zimbabwe

By George Thomson

IRELAND overcame Zimbabwe 11-7 in this tightly contested Group 1 encounter at Fed Square. Realising they needed a win to maintain their chances of progressing to the quarter finals, Ireland played with a ferocious determination throughout the match.

These two young and fit teams showed no hesitation in roughing it during a fraught and high tempo first half, which Ireland edged 5-3.

Paul Farrell was the star of the show, bagging a hat-trick and drawing some fine saves from Herbert in the Zimbabwean goal. After trading goals up to 2-2, Ireland began to dominate possession and build a lead put Zimbabwe on the back foot.

The second half saw no dip in the determination and intensity of the Irish effort.

Zimbabwe registered the goal of the game however, a cheeky chip over two defenders ending with a drilled finish.

Despite such moments of inspiration, Thomas Cullen in the Irish goals proved hard to beat, and denied the Africans the necessary goals to put pressure their opponents.

Two Crosbie goals effectively killed off the game for Ireland, who ran out comfortable 11-7 winners.

Photos: Photoworx