Ireland hammer Lithuania 19-0 in Euro qualifier

Ireland 19-0 Lithuania

Ireland ran up a record 19-0 victory as they hammered Lithuania on the opening day of the men's EuroHockey Championship qualifiers in Calais.

It outdid the 13-0 wins over Malta in 2002 and Fiji in 2013 as Luke Madeley netted four while there were hat-tricks for Michael Robson, Jeremy Duncan, Jonny McKee and Ben Walker.

The stark difference in ability was laid bare from the start, but Ireland needed to be ruthless in case of potential goal difference issues later in the week.

Thursday's game against world number 11 France is likely to be pivotal if Tumilty's side is to win the one ticket to next summer's European Championships on offer this week.