IRELAND finished up the Four Countries tournament in Middlesex with a 75-63 loss to England yesterday which left Gerry Fitzpatrick's young team in a disappointing third place overall.

In defeat though, there was much to encourage Fitzpatrick and his new look squad has enough promise to build on their experience over the weekend. Giving away a great deal in height to their opponents Ireland managed to lead England 34-30 at half time and only a trio of baskets from Donna Knight midway through the second half turned the game England's way.

Ireland failed to get back on terms, the final margin of defeat did not reflect how close the final exchanges where as Ireland resorted Id persistent fouling to stop the clock.

After losing to Scotland 68-60 on Friday, Ireland retrieved some confidence with an 87-45 win over Wales on Saturday and the match which effectively decided the overall destination of the trophy was England's 54-50 win over Scotland, in overtime, on Saturday.