Hockey: Walsh and Wright provide backbone for England win

England's women continued their impressive form with a workmanlike 5-0 win over Ukraine in their second game of the European Nations Cup here yesterday.

In a disciplined performance, England were always in control after Rachel Walker gave them the lead in the fourth minute. A Rachel Walsh penalty corner in the 17th minute, followed by Leisa King scoring, sent England into the interval with a 3-0 scoreline. After the break, King netted again, Anna Bennett completing the scoring.

The England coach, Tricia Heberle, said: "I was pleased to get this game out of the way. They have some very good individual players."

There were strong performances from the captain, Kate Walsh, in the centre of the back three and from Lucilla Wright in central midfield. England face Wales tomorrow and Germany on Saturday.

Wales went down 4-0 to Germany yesterday but they played with much spirit and, with more steadiness in front of goal, might have caused a few problems.

Ireland's women edged to a 2-1 win against Italy, Eimear Cregan and Lynsey McVicker scoring. The men beat Russia with three brilliantly taken open-play goals from Justin Sherriff.