Ireland’s excellent performance continued yesterday as they ran out 12 – 10 winners against New Zealand in a tense encounter in Denver, Colorado at the World Lacrosse Championships.
The Ireland team line out before their tie against New Zealand.
Ireland once again got off to a flying start but New Zealand refused to lie down and fought back strongly after a second quarter which saw them on the wrong end of a 8-3 scoreline. Mike McTernan kick-started Irelands first half surge with an spinning jumpshot with the scores at 2-2 and from there, they steadily racked up the scores which would prove the difference between the 2 teams despite New Zealand’s second half fight back.
Make McTernan who won The Physio Company’s MVP award being presented with the match ball by Ireland coach Tom Prior.
Kris Prior once again put in a great performance in what has been a great tournament for him. Other notable performers included Kris Prior, Tom Riley and Mike Shea who each finished with 2 goals apiece. In the Ireland goal, Connor Sweeney repelled the New Zealanders time and again but it was Mike McTernan who won The Physio Company’s MVP award after netting on 4 occasions for the Irish and for a strong overall performance.
The tournament draws to a close tomorrow for the Irish when they take on Germany at 5 pm Denver time in the 9th place decider. Ireland have so far won 6 out of their 7 games and will be looking to go out on a high tomorrow against a German team who are 5 from 7.