Indian women bounced back in the Four Nation tournament with a neat defeat of Ireland 2-1 in their second match at Parana Rowing Club, Parana Argentina.
India led 2-0 at half time with strikes from forwards Anuradha Thokchom (6th min) and defender Jaspreet Kaur (33rd min). Ireland reduced the margin in the 44th minute through Cliodhna Sargent.
India displayed improved cohesion and flair as their forwards Rani, Anuradha Thokchom, Lilima Minz, Vandana Katariya and Poonam Rani broke through the rival defence repeatedly.
India drew first blood in the sixth minute when midfielder Kirandeep Kaur cut passed two Irish defenders to setup Thokchom who made no mistake in beating goalkeeper Pamela Smith Wick.
Jaspreet Kaur scored the second goal for India two minutes before the breather.
India seem to slacken a bit at the start of the second half which was encashed by Ireland as they scored in the 44th minute strike by Cliodhna Sargent. India mounted attacks and dictated the pace of the game thereafter but were unable to increase their victory margin, as attempts by Poonam Rani and Vandana Katariya were shot wide.
In another match hosts Argentina beat South Africa 2-1 to register their second successive victory of the tournament.
India will now play South Africa in their last round robin league match on Saturday, 17 December, where India need to beat them in order to play the final on Sunday 18 December 2011.