HOCKEY:

THE Green Army were forced to share the spoils with Japan in the opening fixture of the World League semi-finals in Johannesburg yesterday, leaving the teams with one point apiece in Pool A after their 1-1 draw.

The first penalty corner (PC) of the game came in the 43rd minute with Zoe Wilson’s sweep drawing a save onto the defender’s foot, earning a second PC. Ireland made no mistake the second time of asking through Roisin Upton.

Japan began to push a little harder in search of the equaliser and they won their first PC in the 50th minute. Shihori Oikawa sent the ball past Ayeisha McFerran.