MURRAY RESCUES SUPERB DRAW AGAINST GERMANY

IRELAND’s men broke the mould as they took a 1-1 draw from their opening match against Germany at the Rabo EuroHockey championships in Amsterdam.

The unblemished German run of success against the Irish in major competition was ended by Sean Murray’s 47th-minute equaliser at the Wagener Stadium.

The eight-time champions took the lead through a penalty corner slotted low past David Harte early in the second quarter by Lukas Windfeder.

However, it was Harte’s opposite number Tobias Walter who was the busier of the two up to the break, making a hat-trick of fines saves from Alan Sothern.

Niklas Wellen went close to putting Germany further ahead after the changeover before the equaliser arrived courtesy of a defence-splitting cross from Mattie Nelson.

The ball eluded Sothern but Nelson’s Lisnagarvey club-mate Murray arrived at full tilt to apply the lethal touch past Walter.

The Green Machine cannot rest on their laurels as they meet Poland today, opponents smarting after a 6-0 thrashing by England.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s women followed up Saturday’s 4-1 defeat by England at the Rabo EuroHockey championships in Amsterdam with a goal-less draw against Scotland.

The result leaves Graham Shaw’s side not only needing to beat Germany tomorrow but also hoping that the Scots will beat England if they are to reach the semi-finals.