Cork hockey ace Upton rallies Ireland to a historic victory

CORK Harlequins’ Rosin Upton was one of the heroes for Ireland as they beat India in a penalty shoot-out to reach the Hockey World Cup semi-finals in London.

The star defender was the first player to score in the shoot-out to calm the side’s nerves, with both Ireland and India having missed their first two penalties. The other scorers were Ali Meeke and Chloe Watkins as Ireland won 3-1 to set up a semi-final clash with Spain tomorrow.

They can also be thankful to their keeper, Ayeisha McFerran, who was outstanding all through and ensured India failed to score from three of their penalties, with their last not taken as it didn’t matter at that stage.

Cork Harlequins’ other player in the side, Yvonne O’Byrne, also contributed with her runs down the wing to set up a number of chances for her side.

Nobody scored in the opening two rounds of the shoot-out with both Nicci Daly and O’Flanagan driven wide by Savita in the India goal while McFerran continued her imperious form to deny Rani and Monika.

Upton broke the deadlock in the third round of shuttles before McFerran again saved, denying Navjot Kaur. Ali Meeke then put Ireland two in front but Reena Khokhar got one back for India. Watkins stepped up to win it and with the calmness that only 198 caps can bring, putting Ireland into their first ever World Cup semi-final.

Commenting after the game, head coach Graham Shaw said: “I’m so proud of the players. It was really difficult at times, India are a very good side but we dug so deep. To go to a shootout and bury some demons is also really important for us, I’m just full of pride. I felt if we could score two then we’d win because Ayeisha is an incredible goalie.”