FIH Pro League: Ireland beaten by Australia to suffer sixth consecutive defeat in tournament

Ireland are still searching for their first win in the Pro League

Ireland suffered their sixth consecutive defeat in the Pro League as they were beaten 4-1 by Australia.

Blake Govers converted a penalty corner in the 33rd minute to give Australia the lead.

Nathan Ephraums scored another penalty corner to increase their advantage, before Shane O'Donoghue responded for Ireland with a penalty corner.

Govers put Australia further ahead, with Jack Welch getting a goal from open play to seal the success.

Ireland were also beaten 5-0 by Australia earlier in the tournament, which is being hosted by India.

They started brightly and fashioned an early opportunity when, after a good team move orchestrated by Daragh Walsh, captain Sean Murray got the final pass and forced two saves from Australian keeper Andrew Charter.

Ireland keeper James Milliken then thwarted Daniel Beale and Govers to keep the game scoreless after the first quarter.

After a valiant display, they were eventually undone in the second quarter as Govers fired in a penalty corner, Australia's ninth of the contest.

Ephraums converted on 40 minutes before O'Donoghue replied four minutes later.

However, two goals in four minutes from Govers and Welch made it a comfortable victory for Australia.

Ireland face Spain and India in their final games on Saturday and Sunday.

Ireland head coach Mark Tumilty was disappointed with the manner of some of the goals his team conceded.

"For a few of the Australia goals we got unfortunate with some of the deflections. We have to defend a bit better outside the circle," he admitted.

"We conceded very quickly after scoring and that's something we need to work on. We have grown in the tournament and now we need to get something on the board before we go home.

"I think we deserve something from this tournament and that will be our main focus going into those final games."