Ireland played their final game against Netherlands in Alicante on Tuesday. The first fifteen minutes were evenly contested with both sides missing a number of goal scoring opportunities.
The Netherlands took the lead in the 19th minute when Sander de Wijn scored from second phase short corner play and it wasn't long before the Dutch doubled their lead when Weusthof scored from open play in the 22nd minute.
Ireland fought back hard but the Dutch held on to their 2-0 lead at half time.
Ireland got off to the better start in the second 35 and had the majority of play and deservedly earned a goal in the 63rd minute when Chris Cargo slotted home after a counter attack. But Valentin Verga (pictured) wrapped the game up in the 68th minute for the Dutch with a well taken reverse stick shot from the left hand side of the circle.
Ireland will now travel to Great Britain for a double header against GB at Bisham Abbey on 26th & 27th January (times TBC).
Ireland Starting XI:
John Jackson; Ronan Gormley (c); Paul Gleghorne; Conor Harte; David Harte; Eugene Magee; David Ames; Michael Watt; Chris Cargo; Mitch Darling; Geoff McCabe.
Reserves (all used): Stuart Loughrey; David Cole; Shane O'Donoghue; Andy McConnell; Peter Caruth; Timmy Cockram; David Fitzgerald (GK)
Irish Hockey Association media release
