Irish fall foul of Dutch in masters

Hockey:The Irish women's hockey team will have to battle it out with Italy to retain division one status tomorrow after being beaten six nil by Holland at the European Championships in Manchester this afternoon.

Ireland were well and truly outclassed by the Dutch and were five nil down at halftime thanks largely to four goals from Kim Lammers.

Irish goalkeeper Louisa Healy was given a break at halftime and she made way for Mary Goode of Pembroke Wanderers, who had to pick the ball out of her net just once in the second period.

Holland will face England in a top of the table clash in Pool A tomorrow.

Ireland face Italy who have already been beaten 9-1 by Holland and, like Gene Muller's side, have yet to score a point in Pool A.