Hockey Champions Challenge tournamentIreland booked a quarter-final meeting against Poland tomorrow following a hard-fought 3-1 victory over South Africa in Quilmes, Argentina, yesterday.

It was new Irish coach Andrew Meredith’s first competitive win after his side lost their first two games against hosts Argentina and Japan in the Champions Challenge 1 tournament.

Ireland took the lead after eight minutes when Andy McConnell scrambled the ball home following good play from Mitch Darling. South Africa levelled within five minutes as Ireland failed to clear following a penalty corner and Miguel Da Garca pounced. Ireland scored again in the 42nd minute through John Jermyn on a short-corner variation.

South Africa came back strongly but Ireland’s Conor Harte made it 3-1 from a penalty corner in the 62nd minute.

The victory means Ireland finish third in Pool B and will face second in Pool A, Poland tomorrow.