INSTONIANS injected much pride back into Irish hockey in Cagliari yesterday when they edged out host team Amsicora 4-3 in a shoot out after a 2-2 draw in the B division final of the European championship.

It was a gold medal triumph fashioned against the odds as for the third time in four outings, the Ulster side had to come from behind, although, on this occasion, the partisan Sardinian crowd coupled with the searing heat posed additional obstacles.

Instonians trailed after only four minutes when Alessio Raggio scored from the penalty spot but Mark Irwin equalised early in the second half. Although Raggio restored Amsicora's lead from another penalty, Mervyn Cooke plundered the equaliser with seven minutes remaining when he dispatched a loose ball to the net at the far post after his brother Neil had created the opportunity.

The third member of the family trio, Paul Cooke, joined his brothers on the score sheet in the subsequent shootout in which captain Paul Hollway was also on target while Nigel Skillen deserved credit, too, for acrobatically saving two attempts from the Italians.

Instonians thoroughly deserved their success. They worked hard at their game throughout the tournament. It was in Cagliari, too, that Ireland had excelled in the World Cup qualifier last October when Neil Cooke played a leading role in his country's six wins in their pool, before the heat became more demanding and devastating for the Irish in Kuala Lumpur.

Instonians take home a handsome trophy and ensure promotion to the A division of European competition for next year's Irish representatives Lisnagarvey. That elevation makes Ireland top dog among the home countries.

In the women's championship, Muckross retained their place in the B division with a 6-2 victory over Lokomotiva Raka (Slovakia) in their final playoff match in Catania, Sicily.

Two goals apiece from Clare Deacy and Ciara McGrath along with strikes from Sarah Scott and Trish McHugh eased the all Ireland champions to safety.