Antwerp continued to prove a happy hunting ground for Ireland as they beat world No.2 Belgium to secure their first points of this season’s men’s Pro League.
The 3-2 win on Sunday was marshalled by a player of the match performance from Jaime Carr, who saved a penalty stroke and produced an array of crucial PC saves.
Carr saved from his Gantoise team-mate Alexander Hendrikx at the end of the first quarter, having also saved in the 5-1 defeat on Saturday where Tom Boon netted a hat-trick.
In a match which lifted off in the second half, Ireland took a surprise two-goal lead via Louis Rowe and a PC goal from Lee Cole.
Nico de Kerpel pulled one back three minutes later before Cole doubled his tally two minutes from time. Ireland had only two PCs in the match, to Belgium’s five.
Thomas Crols goal before the hooter proved too little too late.
This win followed Ireland’s brace of wins last year against Belgium.
Carr said: “It was nice to bounce back after yesterday, we were very disappointed [with the performance] as a team. I was happy to contribute a little bit to that. Defensively that was a much better performance, and where we wanted to be.
“I know quite a few of the guys. I think it definitely helps but they’re all world class players, even as much as I know them, they are still top quality so it’s nice to get a win over a team like that.”
