Spain 2 Ireland 3
Eighteen-year-old Zoe Wilson served notice of her prodigious talent as she fired home the winner for Ireland in a 3-2 win over Spain in Valencia in the third test of their warm-weather camp.
Wilson made her debut last Friday in the opening test and duly impressed at the heart of defence with a controlled performance.
Along with captain for the day Chloe Watkins, she played a key role in overturning a 2-0 deficit to record a confidence-boosting win after two defeats.
Maria Tost and Marta Segu had given the Spaniards that lead after 17 minutes but Ireland counter-attacked with venom to bounce back.
Watkins poked home a penalty corner rebound to start the fightback and she subsequently created the second when she intercepted in midfield and picked out Naomi Carroll who struck a peach of a rising backhand shot into the net.
That came with nine minutes to go and Graham Shaw’s side kept pressing, winning a corner that Wilson slapped home. Ireland kept out three Spanish corners themselves in the closing minutes to hang on for the result.
Ireland were without captain Megan Frazer and Shirley McCay – their most capped international – following knocks on Saturday evening. The tour concludes on Tuesday morning with the fourth test of the series.
