HOCKEY: Bann lads help Ireland to derby draw

Ireland men’s hockey team have kicked off their World League Three campaign with a 2-2 draw against world number five side Great Britain.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Jun 2015, 13:51 BST

Eugene Magee in action for Ireland. Pic: Rowland White / Presseye.

On paper, it’s a good result for the side which features Bann lads Eugene Magee, Stevie Dowds and Drew Carlisle.

However, coming off the pitch in Antwerp, they will feel it’s a case of two points dropped, having hit the post twice and forced a last minute double save from the England stopper.

Banbridge skipper Magee received a yellow card with four minutes to go and the scores at 2-2.

GB had gone two up inside eight minutes and looked like they would cruise to victory but Ireland rallied back and netted through Kyle Good and John Jackson.

Next up for the Green Machine are Malaysia on Thursday at 1pm as the Irish lads battle for Olympic qualification.

See how Eugene Magee was looking forward to the qualifying tournament here.

Ireland Great Britain