IRELAND began their build up August's World Cup hockey qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe with an 11-0 victory over Poland in their opening Four Nations match in Cardiff yesterday.

The Poles more renowned for their indoor skills, were overrun by the Irish front three of Jenny Burke, Mary Logue and Trish Conway. The Leinster trio scored six of the 11 goals with Hermes Burke collecting a hat trick and Logue, captaining Ireland for the first time on her 93rd international appearance, scoring twice from penalty strokes.

Slough's Sarah Kelleher, who filled the injured Janette Turner's midfield row, added two more goals to the team's impressive tally, with Laura Brown, Carol Devine and, substitute Rachel Kohler each scoring once.

UCC's Michelle O'Sullivan had an impressive debut as a replacement for injured sweeper Arlene Thompson, but the team will expect a sterner challenge from hosts today, who also scored 11 goals without reply, against Slovakin in their opening match.