If, somehow, Ireland can play more positively and generate some pace and penetration in attack, crumbs of pizza can still be scavanged here.

Even Russia, Ireland's opponents today, have registered a goal against both England and the Netherlands, though the Russian defence has been heavily plundered.

The Irish back four has been admirably steadfast, in addition to which goalkeeper Nigel Henderson was marvellously defiant against an English onslaught on Saturday. Yet, while England emerged with no more than a 3-0 win, the penalty-corner count was 9-0 and Ireland's solitary shot at goal came 30 seconds from the end from Galahad Goulet. He connected crisply with a free from Alistair Dunne, but Simon Mason was sufficiently alert to save sharply. In a fierce opening barrage, John Wyatt had put England ahead in the fourth minute from a set-piece rebound. But with Henderson and Alan Dowd, particularly, refusing to surrender, only a relatively simply goal was conceded to Stuart Head at the start of the second half. Tom Bertram increased the margin direct from a short corner in the 60th minute.

By that stage, Ireland were beginning to extract themselves from the siege, and, notably through Errol Lutton, were able to open up a few channels from the back. If Julian Stevenson were to get greater support from midfield, the Russians could be vulnerable today. Then three further points might be picked up from an adventurous, if unlucky Poland tomorrow to struggle through from Pool A to the fifth to eighth place play-off.

On the home front, Monkstown - though losing Glen Bailey (off to Australia), Cliff Bailey (to Avoca) and Justin Sherriff (to Pembroke Wanderers) - have recruited three Finnish internationals, one of whom is a goalkeeper. The trio are expected to be fit enough to play against Pembroke in the Maunsell Cup game at Rathdown next Saturday.