Pro League: Ireland men lose final series game 4-0 against India
- Published
Ireland failed to win any of their eight series games in India
Ireland suffered a 4-0 defeat in their final game of the Pro League India series against the hosts at the Bursa Munda International Hockey stadium in Rourkela.
A penalty corner from Nilikanta Sharma in the 14th minute and a field goal from Akashdeep Singh a minute later gave India a commanding lead.
Further goals from Gurjant Singh and Jugraj Singh sealed the victory.
Ireland finish the series without a win in their eight games.
They went into this game on the back of a 7-0 defeat against Spain on Saturday, but having run India close in a 1-0 defeat earlier in the series, hopes were high of possibly gaining an elusive point.
Ireland dominated the opening exchanges in the first quarter and Peter McKibbin forced the ball over the line, but the umpire had already awarded them a penalty corner.
However, two goals within 90 seconds turned the tide in India's favour.
Matthew Nelson was penalised and from the resultant penalty corner, Sharma fired home. Soon after, India were further ahead courtesy of Akashdeep Singh.
Ireland had two penalty corners in a row overturned on appeal to the video umpire as India led at half-time.
Manpreet Singh set up Gurjant Singh for a goal to put India 3-0 up in the 38th minute and they were close to getting a fourth in the 45th minute, but Jamie Carr saved at point blank range.
There was no further scoring until the final seconds of the final quarter, when Jugraj Singh scored from a retaken penalty corner.
Despite the defeat, Ireland Head Coach Mark Tumilty was pleased with the performance of his side.
"It was a good response from the players, we created numerous opportunities which we couldn't capitalise on while India proved to be clinical in our circle," he said.
"While the result is not what we want, it was a pleasing performance to end this block.
"Overall, it has been an excellent experience in our build up to Paris and the players deserve credit for how they have applied themselves against the world's best teams."
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