Ireland met France on Day Two of the 2014 FIL World Championships in Denver yesterday. France are familiar opponents as Ireland played, and beat them in August 2013 at the University of Limerick to win the Celtic Cup trophy. France would be focused on avenging that loss, and the match took on added significance as it was to be broadcast live on the US sports channel ESPN3.

The determination of the French team was evident from the first face-off. France was first to get on the scoreboard with a goal in the first minute. Ireland then equalised less than a minute later through Tom Riley. France came right back at them though and a further two minutes later were ahead 2-1.

The action was therefore fast and furious from the outset. But when Aaron Cahill equalised for Ireland a further two minutes later, and then Kris Prior dodged from the wing and scored a great individual goal, the Irish team never looked back and would keep the lead throughout the game until the final whistle with a scoreline of 22-5 in favour of Ireland.

Tom Riley finished the match with 5 goals, Mike Shea had 4 goals and 2 assists, Brian Gillis had 2 goals and 4 assists, while Kris Prior and Aaron Cahill had 3 goals and 1 assist each. Dublin Bay Prawns star attackman Paul Murran also opened his account for the tournament with 2 goals, including a super finish just under the crossbar from a feed from Zak Jordan in the fourth quarter. At the defensive end, Sean Gibson and Patrick Ferry were outstanding at the Long Stick Midfield (LSM) position, while Captain Ryan Licht was excellent at close defense, earning him 'The Physio Company Game MVP' for the match.

Ireland face Bermuda at 5.30pm on Sunday (12.30am Monday Irish time) in the final group match. Ireland's opponent in the next round is still to be determined, but the team can anticipate a much closer contest as it advances through to the next phase of the tournament.

Tom Beary