New Delhi: Ireland produced a solid if unspectacular performance from a scrappy men's Hero Hockey World League Round Two 2013, beating Oman 7-2 to improve their chances of progressing to round three. Alan Sothern started their run with his seventh goal of the tournament following a sharp turn and shot and they moved two up when Geoff McCabe's right wing cross took a heavy deflection from Salim Ali Al Zadjali.
But Oman were an aggressive lively force throughout and nicked one back via Mohamed Hubais Al Shar's heavily deflected drag-flick in the 28th minute. Conor Harte's corner goal reasserted Irish control before half-time and a second half effort from Sothern along with two from Mitch Darling extended the lead to 6-1. Al Shar replied from the penalty spot but Davy Carson's neat chip completed the scoring for Ireland.
Meanhwile, India cruised their way to 4-0 victory over China to all but ensure they progress to round three of the League. Indeed, only a loss in their final game against Bangladesh and a miracle on the goal difference front could see them overhauled by two teams.
Mamunur Rahman Chayan's four goal corner burst eventually put paid to Fiji's hopes as Bangladesh won 8-4.