IRELAND'S Five Nations hockey campaign got off to a damp start in Vancouver yesterday when they lost their opening match to the hosts in the middle of a torrential downpour.

Canada had the better of the opening exchanges, forcing five short corners in the first 20 minutes, but the Irish rallied to finish the half the stronger team, putting together some superb passing moves.

The only goal of the match came two minutes into the second half when Aoibhinn Grimes finished off a fine Canadian attack and despite winning a number of short corners in the closing stages the Irish could not force an equaliser.

Ireland play their second match of the tournament tonight (2 a.m. Irish time) against the USA, 1-0 losers to England whose winner came from substitute Jane Smith seven minutes from time.