Day Two - Big scalp for the Open Team!

Day Two saw the Open Team play twice before the Women set foot on their field. First up were the Czech Republic, a team we knew little about except that they were seeded below us. They had a young team, not bereft of experience but young, and athletic-looking! We knew a strong start was vital and as such we began in a determined fashion. The first point saw the D Line get a quick turnover and convert it into a goal with little fuss. Score number one was followed quickly by an equally fast and simple second. The D Line was having no trouble shutting down the Czech Offence who struggled with our pace and quick movement of the disc. Soon it was 5-0 and the O Line went on to score a couple in quick successsion. Half-time: 9-0. If the first half was good, the second was even better. At half-time we spoke of how we were once the team losing to scratch...not this time. After 50mins (half the alloted time) the Irish team had secured their first ever international 'bagel' or win to 0. 17-0 and a great platform from which to attack the Italian game.


13.00 - on the ShowGame Pitch in the afternoon heat we came out against an Italian team smarting from a 10 pint loss against the dominant GB team. We started on an even footing with bothe teams offences finding space and trading the first 4 scores. 2 all and our D wasn'e getting the blocks it needed. The offence were under pressure and soon it was 5-2 to the Italians who were firing well. A time out calmed the nerves and broke up the Italians flow beofre the O Line got a point to break the Italians run. On with the D Line and soon after and switched to Zone Defence making good use of a slight breeze. From it came a few turns and a few solid scores. It was neck and neck 7-7, 8-8 and suddenly 9-8 to us at halftime. The game was fast and hard with no easy yards being conceded by either team. 9-9, then 10-10 and the 100min time cap was called. It was a game to 13. We'd spoken about how finishing strongly was vital to our chances and finish strongly we did. The O Line changed the Force to Front Up putting pressure on the Italian handlers who struggled to get throws off and just when we needed it JD got a huge D that turned the game. The score was got and the final two points won after huge work from all the Defence players. Pixie caught the score from cian's throw to instigate a massive pitch invasion and some memorable celebrations. Ireland Progress into the Second Pool Stage as a Top Eight Team!

At 15.00 the Women faced the Swiss, a strong outfit who'd already beaten Sweden, an old powerhouse of the Womens division. They started well taking a 3-1 lead only to be pegged back and overtaken by a determined Switzerland Offence. The game was there for the taking but a tough zone, a gusty wind and some wayward throws made it all the harder. The girls fought and fought and kept fighting until the end but it was too much. Tired and burnt the ladies went down 18-9. The scoreline didn't refelct the long points that were closely fought. The girls will play better and will have learnt a lot form a tough experience.

So, with Day Two over what next? Tomorrow sees the Women up against it, playing Sweden at 9.00 and GB at 13.00. Another long day. The afternoon brings Denmark at 15.00 for the Open team, a new challenge and perhaps the toughest yet...