International call for locals

International call for locals

4 July 2012

THREE Ballynahinch Hockey Club players represented Ireland at the recent home international masters tournament in Edinburgh.

Goalkeeper Mark Brown and striker Grant Hayes took part in the under-45 competition, while Lawrence Patterson was part of the over 45s Irish squad.

The players were selected for the home international series after taking part in the inter-pros tournament at Lisnagarvey’s Hillsborough base where they played for Ulster. The Ballynahinch trio caught the eye of the selectors and received their international call-ups.

Goalkeeper Brown is no stranger to international duty and was in Singapore last year with Ireland for the Masters World Cup tournament, while Hayes and Patterson made their Irish debuts in Edinburgh.

During this tournament, Ireland faced Scotland in their opener and were 2-0 down at the interval. But Hayes scored to make it 2-1 and then set up Ireland’s equaliser before Jason Hill sealed the win.

Masters World Cup holders England were up next for Ireland, with Brown playing in one half of the game which Ireland lost 4-1. But it was a game where Hayes once again impressed.

In Ireland’s final game they defeated Wales 3-2 in a real thriller, with Brown getting his run out in the second half of the game.

While Brown and Hayes were doing their bit for the under-45s, Patterson acquitted himself well for the over-45s and was selected to play in defence for Ireland. During his time on the pitch, the side didn’t concede any goals.

The next Masters World Cup takes place this summer in Canterbury in England and goalkeeper Brown hopes to be included in the squad where he could be joined by Hayes, Patterson and another Ballynahinch team mate, Leslie Harrison.

Brown has really enjoyed his World Cup experiences and was delighted to have been chosen for the Irish side.

“It’s really a great experience and there is a tremendous spirit in the squad. There are players from across Ireland and it’s great to be involved in a tournament up against some of the best hockey players in the world,” he said.

“While a number of the players may be in their 40s, they are still incredibly fit and skilful and haven’t lost their appetite for the game.”

• The Ballynahinch players would like to thank Down Council official Pat McCluskey for working hard to provide them with some assistance to offset the cost of travelling to Edinburgh for the recent home interntional tournament.