The Final was the cherry on the cake for two teams having already qualified for the next round of the World League. The weather was perfect for hockey, sunny with a cool breeze, and Ireland were fast in action, Michael Darling scoring in the second minute of play after a run on the left and an energetic circle penetration. Austria were not to be outdone and scored on their first penalty-corner by Michael Körper in the 4th minute.

The offensive tone of the match was set and play was flowing back and forth at high speed, both teams displaying their skills and organization. The show was entertaining but with no further goal in the opening quarter. Both teams (and coaches) seemed to enjoy playing with less pressure than earlier in the competition. Tempo (and tempters) increased later in the period, but no more goals were scored and teams walked in the half-time break back-to-back (1-1).

Play was certainly balanced but Ireland took a slight advantage in the 35th minute when Shane O'Donoghue slotted a low penalty-corner in goal. Austria were quick to reply but David Harte stood tall in the Irish goal, first on a high penalty-corner flick then on the subsequent messy action in front of him. Ireland were progressively tightening the screw on the opposition and play was confined for long sequences in Austrian defensive territory.

Somehow, surprisingly for a match with not much at stake, tempters flared and Austria played two-men short for a while on a green and a yellow card. Ireland could however not capitalize and score stayed at 2-1 at the end of the third quarter. Ireland had a chance on a penalty-corner early in the last quarter but their triple layoff did not pay. They were however dominating the proceedings, making the Austrians run after their passes.

Austria had a last ditch effort with a penalty-corner with three minutes to go, but Michael Körper’s shot by countered by a running defender. Körper picked up a yellow card on the next action and Ireland immediately earned a penalty-corner. They tried again a fancy option, to no avail, but time was running out and the Irish were soon celebrating winning this competition, while both teams were of course satisfied to have reached their goal of qualifying for the semi-finals of the World League.