Ireland were unlucky to miss out on a place in the semi-final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup as they drew 3-3 with South Africa in their last Pool B match.
Daragh Walsh scored a goal early on to give Ireland the lead. Ben Nelson then came close to doubling it as he managed to get on the end of a loose ball but a slight touch from goalkeeper Callum De Jager was enough to keep it out of the net.
South Africa dampened Irish hopes by scoring either side of half-time through Clinton Melville and Carlon Mentoor.
Ireland needed a win to progress such were the standings and they threw everything they had at South Africa in the final quarter. Their reliance on their press was effective once again as they won the ball high up the pitch. It was delivered into Nelson in the circle who fired it into the back of the net.
The excitement wasn’t over as South Africa managed to regain a 3-2 lead through a penalty corner and Calvin Davis. Ireland then came back at them once again and gained a lifeline with 90 seconds remaining as Nelson added to his first.
It wasn’t enough for the Irish side unfortunately though as South Africa controlled the remaining seconds to secure a place for themselves in the semi-final on Friday.
Ireland will now face the fourth place side in Pool A at 2.30pm on Friday in the 5/8 play-offs.