Russell's Summer Representing Ireland
8/7/2012 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Freshman field hockey player Emma Russell, from Enniskerry, Ireland, recently completed playing in four different tournaments this summer representing her country on the Ireland U18 National Team.
Below is her account of her summer's competition.
Following our two warm series against Germany (4 matches) and Scotland (3 matches) we felt well prepared for the upcoming Four Nations.
The Squad travelled to Edinburgh in Scotland to compete in the Four Nations trophy. The tournament was held in the Scottish National Hockey centre at Edinburgh University just outside the city.
Our opening game was against Wales which we won comfortably (Ireland 8-Wales 0).
Conditions deteriorated overnight and we geared ourselves up for a tougher match against the home nation, Scotland.
The Scots took a 2-1 lead early in the second half, however with 20 minutes to go, we raised our game to equalize and went on to win the game 4-2. We are still unsure as to whether having our ice baths outside in the pouring rain was our coaches' way of encouraging us to pull up our socks for the final match against Switzerland. Thankfully the memory of the ice baths endured and we went on to win the game and secure the Four Nations for Ireland.
Early Monday morning we travelled by bus to Birmingham, England to play the English in a three-match series. Fatigue was beginning to set in having played the German series, the Scottish series and the Four Nations in close proximity. The thought of playing a very fresh English team seemed daunting. After a nights rest, some light training and video analysis of our games to date we felt more positive about heading into our fourth series. We knew from the outset our first game was going to be really tough. Remaining composed but totally focused on our task, we worked tirelessly both defending and attacking in a very close game. We were very proud to come out on top with a 1-0 victory. On Tuesday evening our spirits were further boosted as we bumped into the Great Britain Gymnastic Olympic team who were staying in the same sports centre as us which was a great surprise!
On day two we knew the English would come out fighting so we prepared ourselves for another tough battle. It proved another close encounter, the ball pace was very high making it an exciting end to end game. Although we performed well and coaches were happy we came up short loosing 2 goals to 1.
We went into the final game of the series with everything to play for. Facing our 13th international game in 2 and a half weeks, we wanted to finish on a high. Playing the game earlier in the day we felt was a positive and we took to the field confident and excited. An early English goal shook the team but during a short stoppage for an injury, we gathered and refocused. Just before halftime we had a quick break from midfield and a timely pass into the circle, we managed to even the game. The 2nd half showed very little opportunity for either side to score but in the dying seconds England went very close but with a save off the line the game and the series ended in a draw!
I thoroughly enjoyed representing my country. Wearing an Irish jersey is such an honor and a privilege. On a personal note leading the team out, particularly in the final English game, which was my last underage game for Ireland was a moment I will always cherish.
-Emma Russell
Below is her account of her summer's competition.
Following our two warm series against Germany (4 matches) and Scotland (3 matches) we felt well prepared for the upcoming Four Nations.
The Squad travelled to Edinburgh in Scotland to compete in the Four Nations trophy. The tournament was held in the Scottish National Hockey centre at Edinburgh University just outside the city.
Our opening game was against Wales which we won comfortably (Ireland 8-Wales 0).
Conditions deteriorated overnight and we geared ourselves up for a tougher match against the home nation, Scotland.
The Scots took a 2-1 lead early in the second half, however with 20 minutes to go, we raised our game to equalize and went on to win the game 4-2. We are still unsure as to whether having our ice baths outside in the pouring rain was our coaches' way of encouraging us to pull up our socks for the final match against Switzerland. Thankfully the memory of the ice baths endured and we went on to win the game and secure the Four Nations for Ireland.
Early Monday morning we travelled by bus to Birmingham, England to play the English in a three-match series. Fatigue was beginning to set in having played the German series, the Scottish series and the Four Nations in close proximity. The thought of playing a very fresh English team seemed daunting. After a nights rest, some light training and video analysis of our games to date we felt more positive about heading into our fourth series. We knew from the outset our first game was going to be really tough. Remaining composed but totally focused on our task, we worked tirelessly both defending and attacking in a very close game. We were very proud to come out on top with a 1-0 victory. On Tuesday evening our spirits were further boosted as we bumped into the Great Britain Gymnastic Olympic team who were staying in the same sports centre as us which was a great surprise!
On day two we knew the English would come out fighting so we prepared ourselves for another tough battle. It proved another close encounter, the ball pace was very high making it an exciting end to end game. Although we performed well and coaches were happy we came up short loosing 2 goals to 1.
We went into the final game of the series with everything to play for. Facing our 13th international game in 2 and a half weeks, we wanted to finish on a high. Playing the game earlier in the day we felt was a positive and we took to the field confident and excited. An early English goal shook the team but during a short stoppage for an injury, we gathered and refocused. Just before halftime we had a quick break from midfield and a timely pass into the circle, we managed to even the game. The 2nd half showed very little opportunity for either side to score but in the dying seconds England went very close but with a save off the line the game and the series ended in a draw!
I thoroughly enjoyed representing my country. Wearing an Irish jersey is such an honor and a privilege. On a personal note leading the team out, particularly in the final English game, which was my last underage game for Ireland was a moment I will always cherish.
-Emma Russell
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