IRELAND'S under 16 and under 18 sides made winning starts in the Home Countries Youth Hockey Championships at Livingston Football Club in Scotland yesterday. But, surprisingly, it was the team from the lower age group which recorded the more handsome victory, overpowering Wales 5-0, whereas the accomplished under 18 side beat Scotland only by two goals to one.

Ireland had gained 4-1 and 6-1 wins over the Scots in under 18 practice matches in Dublin a fort night ago, and yesterday they appeared to be well on the way to conserving their superiority when they swept into a two goal lead after nine minutes. Clarke Kennedy struck from the first sequence of short corners and then Justin Sherriff whipped in an open play goal following a thrust by John Ahern and Graham Shaw, both of whom were forcing the pace.

While Irish domination failed to yeild a further dividend before the interval, it still seemed that pressure by Garry Ringwood would make the margin in safe early in the second half. But Chris Mitchell and Greg Turpin were particularly resolute in the home defence, and the Scots counterattacked to earn a set piece goal from Garry Nicoll 15 minutes from the end.

Ireland had hoped for a more comfortable cushion for the ultimate confrontation tomorrow with England, who mastered Wales 5-0.

The Irish under 16s also started with a flourish and led 3-0 after 19 minutes. Andy McCarey was first to pierce the Welsh cover, Scott Parker drove home the second goal and Trevor Martin lashed in the third.

McCarey increased the margin from a corner early in the second half and completed a hat trick from a lay off by Allan Kershaw. Cliff Bailey was very involved in the build ups throughout the game.

This morning Ireland face the challenge of En gland, who dismissed Scotland also by five goals to nil.