Ireland give it some stick

Ireland women's hockey team began their preparations for the forthcoming World Cup in Australia with a 9-0 victory over Mexico in the Atlantic Cup.

Lynsey McVicker netted a hat-trick, Arlene Boyles and Jenny Burke scored two apiece, with Daphne Sixsmith and Claire McMahon also on the scoresheet in the four-team tournament in Virginia, USA.

Scotland coach Mike Gilbert was disappointed at his team's 2-1 defeat to the hosts.

Jill Reeve and Tracey Fuchs put the USA ahead before Cheryl Valentine pulled one back midway through the second half.

"We didn't take some chances that we should have," said Gilbert.

Both Scotland and the USA are also competing at the World Cup, which starts in Perth next month.