World Games: Day 5
Ireland vs. Wales
Barring a loss plus a HUGE win by Scotland over Hong Kong, Ireland already had the Red Division championship, so this was to be a day for getting a lead, building it, then getting everyone some playing time and some rest. Good, steady play all day long helped Ireland do just that as we steadily, methodically ran our game up to a 12-4 victory.
Significant playing time for me today. I would have spent most of the second half in goal, but just as I was about to go in, head coach Richie Moran realized I hadn't taken any shifts at long-stick midfield. I had a couple of uneventful runs then played the 4th quarter in goal. 1 save on 3 shots- the one save was a beauty, and the 2 goals were off defensive breakdowns that left me in tough situations.
The best play came on a missed pass that stayed in-bounds behind the goal. I went back to play it & came up with a couple of Welshmen in my face. Somehow, I managed to tiptoe (literally) along the endline to stay in bounds & break away into the corner. As I got some separation to turn & head upfield, a wrap check came from behind me straight across my facemask. Perfect! I thought, trusting that such a blatant slash to the head would surely draw a penalty flag. After dodging another attackman near the restraining line, I got to about midfield & made a poor clearing pass to a defenseman upfield, partly from a push from behind as I passed. The pass was picked off by Wales and the whistle promptly blew, not for the blatant slash to the head (a 1-minute extra man penalty), but for the (comparatively minor) push from behind. Whatever, it worked & it was cool.
So Ireland clinched the Red Division title outright & will face Australia the next day- in the mainstage stadium!- for the chance to play in the medal round. Let's hope it goes better than the play-in game against Sweden at the last European Championships!
Barring a loss plus a HUGE win by Scotland over Hong Kong, Ireland already had the Red Division championship, so this was to be a day for getting a lead, building it, then getting everyone some playing time and some rest. Good, steady play all day long helped Ireland do just that as we steadily, methodically ran our game up to a 12-4 victory.
Significant playing time for me today. I would have spent most of the second half in goal, but just as I was about to go in, head coach Richie Moran realized I hadn't taken any shifts at long-stick midfield. I had a couple of uneventful runs then played the 4th quarter in goal. 1 save on 3 shots- the one save was a beauty, and the 2 goals were off defensive breakdowns that left me in tough situations.
The best play came on a missed pass that stayed in-bounds behind the goal. I went back to play it & came up with a couple of Welshmen in my face. Somehow, I managed to tiptoe (literally) along the endline to stay in bounds & break away into the corner. As I got some separation to turn & head upfield, a wrap check came from behind me straight across my facemask. Perfect! I thought, trusting that such a blatant slash to the head would surely draw a penalty flag. After dodging another attackman near the restraining line, I got to about midfield & made a poor clearing pass to a defenseman upfield, partly from a push from behind as I passed. The pass was picked off by Wales and the whistle promptly blew, not for the blatant slash to the head (a 1-minute extra man penalty), but for the (comparatively minor) push from behind. Whatever, it worked & it was cool.
So Ireland clinched the Red Division title outright & will face Australia the next day- in the mainstage stadium!- for the chance to play in the medal round. Let's hope it goes better than the play-in game against Sweden at the last European Championships!