Ireland matched up against a well organised Switzerland side in Wednesday's action from the World Lacrosse Championships in Denver. This game would feature a real contrast of styles, with the "run and gun", high tempo offense of Ireland coming up against the controlled, steady and disciplined Swiss approach to the game.
The match got off to an excellent start for the Swiss when they won the opening face-off and scored with a great individual drive to the cage. Ireland's equaliser shortly thereafter was a family affair - defenseman JT Prior picked up a loose ball, raced up-field and passed it to his brother Kris Prior for a great finish.
Ireland Head Coach Tom Prior - a cousin of JT and Kris - was a particularly happy man on the sidelines! Aaron Cahill then swept across the top and took a strong right-handed shot for another goal to make it 2-1 to Ireland at the end of the first quarter.
The key to the Irish team's performance in this game would prove to be the players at the attack position - Kris Prior had an excellent game, bagging 3 goals and 2 assists at early, critical junctures of the game, while Gillis scored 4 goals and has 1 assist. Tom Riley, also at attack, scored 2 goals.
One of the highlights of the game was when Paul Murran came on at attack in the 4th quarter and scored what could only be described as a lefty backhand reverse bounce shot that ended up in the back of the net. Zak Jordan also contributed a single goal to bring the final tally for the game to 13-6 in favour of Ireland. Another key feature of the game was the continued outstanding play by Patrick Ferry at the LSM position.
Pat has been a fantastic performer for the Irish team throughout the tournament, with a deadly combination of intensity, 100% commitment, workrate and skill. Pat has been a candidate for The Physio Company Game MVP award in every match, and it was appropriate when he finally received the award for his excellent performance in this game. The Irish team now faces a strong New Zealand side on Thursday at 7.30pm Irish time.
Tom Beary
