Cockram nets hat-trick as Ireland beat Russia in Four Nations

Timmy Cockram marked his return to the Irish senior squad with a second half hat-trick as Ireland saw off Russia 5-3 in Barcelona yesterday, starting their Four Nations campaign in confident fashion.

After a scoreless first half, the game went goal crazy with seven goals arriving in a 13-minute spell.

Cockram got the first two – one from play, one from a penalty corner – before Russia got one back but another volley of goals saw Ireland race into a 5-1 lead.

Pembroke duo Alan Sothern and Maurice Elliott dovetailed to net goals three and four before Cockram finished off Elliott's excellent approach work.

Russia pulled another one back in the closing quarter and nabbed a late third .

Ireland play Wales tomorrow morning and hosts Spain on Friday. Coach Craig Fulton can expect to learn most from that tie, facing a World Cup bound side who are in the world's top 10.