Fit and organized, host’s Den Haag took the first round of the European Hurling Championship when proving too much for a useful Paris side at The Hague in Holland on Saturday April 21, 2012.
Den Haag impressed throughout the tournament and were a level above the competition. Though Paris put in a fine Round 1 performance with their old guard hurling with determination and pride, Den Hague were never troubled in the final which they took on a scoreline of [15] 0-15 to [4] 0-4.
The Paris ladies had more luck though as they took Camogie honours when beating Holland by [14] 3-5 to [ 0-6] 6 in the decider. The Paris camogie team had put a lot of work into training over the winter and it showed throughout this tournament.
In the Mens Championship there was four teams competing – Paris, Belgium, Luxembourg and Den Hague with last year’s champions Zurich, unable to travel. Paris had several former Zurich players on their team, while Belgium, who have a proud legacy in European hurling circles, were troubled with injury before and during the competition, but nevertheless took third sport when defeating a depleted Luxembourg squad.
Six teams lined out in Round 1 of the Camogie Championship – Luxembourg, Holland, Zurich, Paris, Belgium and Luxembourg and it turned out to be a very entertaining competition.
The Paris girls were very fit and committed, while Holland built their team around an All Ireland winning Cork midfielder. Zurich ladies did travel to this event and the 80 % all Swiss side did very well with a win over Holland. Belgium last year’s champions, overcame a brave Luxembourg to take third place in what was a high scoring and very competitive tournament.
The next round of the 2012 European Hurling and Camogie Championship takes place in Zurich, Switzerland on May 12.
(Report source Brian Clerkin)
2012 Round 1 European Hurling and Camogie Championships Results
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