After two days of competition and some thrilling close encounters, Team Ireland have completed the group stages of their European Championship Qualification campaign at Skien Sports and Activity Park, Moflatvegen, Norway.
In their opening game on Thursday, a strong Finnish side emerged winners after a powerful comeback from Ireland in the second half.
Today Team Ireland had three group games two of which went down to the wire. In a tactically vigorous encounter, their first game against the Czech Republic finished on a score line of 44 – 44 sending the game to extra time. A heartbreaking finish saw Ireland on the wrong side of the result, losing by a single point.
A comprehensive win over hosts Norway where Ireland took control from the first throw in meant Ireland went into their final game of the day with the momentum in their favor.
Bolstered by their close loss to the Czech Republic, Ireland were confident in their ability to outplay a strong Swedish side. With only one point between the teams at half time they were able to hang on to their lead and see the game out winning in the end by 5 points.
The action continues tomorrow when Ireland take on Poland at 11:00 Irish time.
There are 10 teams fighting for only three places at the 2023 World Wheelchair Rugby European Championship which takes place in Cardiff, Wales.
The games are being streamed live via this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3RvU8AvMn-Y3hrWNd-b34w
Group Stage Results:
Ireland -v- Finland
Half Time 26 – 17
Full Time 36 – 48
Ireland -v- Czech Republic
After Extra Time 52 – 53
Full Time 44 – 44
Extra Time 52 – 53
Ireland -v- Norway
Half Time 33 – 10.
Full Time 61 – 16
Ireland -v- Sweden
Half Time 26-25
Full Time 50 – 45
