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Nations Cup 16 Match Report: Canada Vs Ireland

Ireland got their Nations Cup campaign off to an impressive start with a 52- 14 triumph over world no. 18 Canada. With the victory, Ireland bounce back from their opening day loss to hosts Singapore ahead of their Day 3 clash with unbeaten Zambia.

Right from the get go, the Europeans blazed into the lead scoring five in the first five minutes, before GA Lianna Wong scored her first of the quarter to get Canada off the mark. However, GS Fiona Morrissey proved too strong for the Canadians, pulling her team to a 17-4 lead.

In the second quarter Morrissey’s continued dominance was pivotal as she scored 10 or her 11 attempts to maintain Ireland’s comfortable lead. With Lianna Wong missing the quarter, the Canadians found it hard to create clear chances, managing a total of eight attempts. For the second time, an opening five-minute blitz made the difference between the teams.

Moving into the third quarter, Ireland grew in both confidence and fluidity as their attacking play saw a repeat of the first quarter scoreline to take the total to a resounding 48-11, all but assuring them of their first win. Opponents Canada, on the other hand struggled to keep possession of the ball.

The fourth quarter saw Ireland’s top-scorer Morrissey leave the court, making way for 26-year-old debutant Melanie Ingram – who came on to score three of her eight attempts. Canada continued to struggle as they found their attacks dislodged by center Kirsty Owens.

Overall the result was the second loss in as many days for the Canadians. Commenting on the result, Canadian captain Morgan McLaughlin, age 36, said “We kept fighting through the whole thing. We didn’t exactly execute our game plan today but we got better with each quarter and I think we can take pride in how hard we worked right to the end of the game.”

“I think we want to make sure that we cut down on unforced turnovers, so cleaning up our footwork and our offside, and keeping our game short and sharp. We are looking forward to play Singapore in our next match, it should be fun!”
On the other hand, Ireland who entered the tournament as the lowest ranked side find themselves in a positive position, ahead of their match against unbeaten leaders Zambia. When asked about the win, Captain Alice Higginbotham said, ““For our next game, I’m looking to increase what we’re doing already, develop the combinations between the team and each other, and keep building at each quarter.” 
She also shared where there was room for improvement, saying “I think if we can keep reducing our errors I think that would be really good, and I think we can keep making sure our tactical work is right and getting the turnovers and reacting quick enough.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fiona Morrissey scored a total of 36 points in three quarters
• Lianna Wong was Canada’s top scorer with 8 points
• Canada scored all of their first quarter attempts

MATCH STATISTICS

 CanadaIreland
Score1452
Total Attempts2970
Goal Percentage48%74%