Dublin, June 19: The Indian junior women’s hockey team started its Uniphar U-23 5 Nations Tournament with a comprehensive 4-1 win over hosts Ireland here on Sunday.
Annu (12th), Deepika Soreng (25th), Monika Dipi Toppo (45th) and Beauty Dungdung (47) netted one goal each for India while Mikayla Power (19’) scored the solitary goal for Ireland.
Ireland placed pressure on India early on, earning a penalty corner in the fifth minute that was thwarted. Three minutes later, the home side won back-to-back PCs, but India’s defence again prevented them from scoring.
India, on the other hand, took the lead in the 12th minute through Annu’s strike. In the 15th minute, they even earned their first PC of the match but missed out on converting it.
Trailing by a goal, Ireland started the second quarter on the front foot and their efforts paid off when Mikayla Power scored the equaliser in the 19th minute.
India restored their lead through Deepika Soreng in the 25th minute. India hold on to their lead after the second quarter.
A dominating start to the third quarter saw India create opportunities. The visitors did not have to wait long for their third goal as Monika Dipi Toppo’s 45th minute strike put India two goals ahead of Ireland at the end of the third quarter. VC Beauty then added a fourth in the 47th minute. (PTI)
