THERE WERE grey skies in Cagliari yesterday as Ireland trailed the US by 1-0 at halftime in the hockey World Cup preliminary competition - but just as the sun burst briefly from the clouds after the interval the Irish attack exploded into life as four goals were plundered in the first 11 minutes of the second period.

Although the Americans came back belatedly to reduce the margin, another Irish victory was achieved the third in a row - a feat which a delighted IHU president, Marius Gallagher.

Only Poland remain in touch in Pool B. In beating Scotland 2-0, the Poles lead the table by a point but they have played four matches to Ireland's three. "We can't be anything else but pleased at this stage," said the Irish captain, Alan Dowd, who put away the equaliser two minutes into the second half. The ball had popped up following a melee and Chris Jackson delivered the incisive pass.

Much relieved, Ireland then launched a total offensive. Robbie Taylor drove a free into the circle for Lee Tumilty to deflect home the second goal - a dividend from months of summer practice - and the lead was increased from another set piece when, following a short corner switch. Neil Cooke's initial shot was saved but he lashed the rebound into the net.

Four minutes later the three points were virtually assured when Jackson broke away to send Julian Stevenson darting goalwards, only to be fouled in the circle, and Taylor converted the penalty stroke to remain the top marksman of the tournament.

Taylor, however, found himself pressed back into a defensive role in the first half by the menacing US captain Larry Amar, who, with right winger, Nick Butcher gave the Irish defence some anxiety.

While Ireland were doing most of the attacking, particularly through the dextrous Daniel Clarke, the Americans deserved to go ahead with a touch of clinical finishing by Scott Williams from a short corner in the 26th minute. It would have been 1-1 at the interval had Stevenson not blasted the ball against the far post when given a clear opening by Clarke.

"No, I wasn't worried - we had plenty of time to score in the second half," said Ireland coach. Cees Koppelaar, who made a shrewd move in surprising the Americans by substituting the fresh and eager Jackson for Clarke after the interval.

Then came the goal rush before Shawn Hindy got one back for the US from a corner six minutes from the end. The Irish side, notably centre backs, Gregg Sterritt and Erroll Lutton retained their composure and Robbie Ryan came on in place of Taylor to keep Amar out of range.

Now, after another day's rest, Kenya should be overcome tomorrow, before Poland are tackled on Monday in a match which is likely to decide an academic top place in the pool with both teams, it seems, destined for Kuala Lumpur in the Spring.