IPSWICH'S Jo Ellis and Chelmsford's Chloe Rogers both played a part in England's winning start to the EuroHockey Nations Championships.Playing Ireland, goals from Alex Danson, Lucilla Wright and Cathy Gilliat-Smith gave England the start they needed in Pool A with a 3-0 win.

IPSWICH'S Jo Ellis and Chelmsford's Chloe Rogers both played a part in England's winning start to the EuroHockey Nations Championships.

Playing Ireland, goals from Alex Danson, Lucilla Wright and Cathy Gilliat-Smith gave England the start they needed in Pool A with a 3-0 win.

Rogers played throughout the match, while Ellis was used as a substitute.

In the other Pool A match the Netherlands, current holders and winners of six of the last seven championships, thrashed Italy 9-1.

England, who are hosting the tournament in Manchester, face Italy today at 1pm. The top three teams from this tournament gain direct qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.