CHRISTOPH BECHMANN, Germany's leading light in their most recent success in the Pakistan Golden Jubilee Tournament in Karachi, unlocked Avoca's resistance as Gladbacher HTC defeated

Ireland's representatives 5-0 in the opening game of the European Cup Winners' Cup A Division tournament in Reading yesterday.

Avoca confined their opponents to a 1-0 lead in the first half before tiring in the latter stages of the match, during which Bechmann and the equally tall and talented Florian Kunz knifed through the gallant Irish cover.

Avoca had matched the Germans initially, but the lead was conceded in the 28th minute when Thomas Kraus converted a penalty stroke.

Still, little was being yielded in the second period until Bechmann could no longer be contained. He earned a short corner after 15 minutes for Kunz to send a powerful drag-flick on target. Bechmann (whose brother Matt has been Three Rock Rovers player coach this season) was also much involved as Kunz seized an advantage to fire home the third goal before Michael Hilger scored twice in the closing exchanges.

The result did not appear to discourage the Irish side. Coach Simon Filgas used his substitutes during the last quarter of the game and, as Scott remarked, Avoca "are on a learning curve".

They will still be hopeful of upsetting Real Polo Club de Barcelona today and then to operate "on all cylinders" against the Russian Army team, Ekaterinburg, tomorrow.

In yesterday's second Pool A game, the Spaniards were fortunate to hold off Ekaterinburg 3-2. There was a major surprise in Pool B when Grunwald of Poland gained a 3-2 win over Amsterdam.