Ireland’s underage teams face into their penultimate games of the Volvo 6 Nations in Eindhoven with all four teams taking on Belgium on Friday

It follows a number of close-run defeats at the hands of Germany on Wednesday.

On the boys side, Evan Jennings gave the Under-18s a 1-0 lead in the second quarter before the Germans got a controversial equaliser and they moved ahead 2-1 at half-time.

Scorchio here @HCOranje_Rood for the U16s match v @DHB_hockey

Pushback at 5.40pm, local time.#U16BJAG2019 #JAG2019 #NoLimits #volvo6nations pic.twitter.com/5iQdx4WwX5

— Hockey Ireland JAG Boys (@IreBoysJag) July 17, 2019

Ireland did have the ball in the net on the hooter but it was deemed after the end of the period. They ended losing 4-1 but not before hitting the post in a competitive second half.

At Under-16 level, it was another well-fought battle. Germany went 1-0 after seven minutes but Ireland were back on terms via a Craig Mackay penalty corner in the second half.

Germany moved back in front in the fourth quarter but Matthew Aughey tied it up at 2-2 with six minutes to go. But two goals in the last three minutes saw the Germans nab the points 4-2.

Unbelievable performance by the U18 girls against Germany. FT: @IreGirlsJAG 1(Mullan) Germany 2. What a group of players.. @EugeneFCollins @Sherry_Fitz @TourAmericaTV @KPMG_Ireland #goodbody #blackrockclinic #menarini pic.twitter.com/9uDuhOdvCq

— Ireland JAG Girls (@IreGirlsJAG) July 17, 2019

On the girls side, the Under-16s endured a tough day out with a 10-0 defeat but the Under-18s pushed their illustrious counterparts all the way with Olivia Mullan scoring in a 2-1 defeat.

Girls

Under-18: Ireland 1 (O Mullan) Germany 2

Under-16: Ireland 0 Germany 10

Friday

Under-18: Ireland V Belgium, Eindhoven, 9.40am

Under-16: Ireland V Belgium, Eindhoven, 3pm

Boys

Under-18: Ireland 1 (E Jennings) Germany 4

Under-16: Ireland 2 (M Aughey, C Mackay) Germany 4

Friday

Under-18: Ireland V Belgium, Eindhoven, 11.20am

Under-16: Ireland V Belgium, Eindhoven, 2.40pm