WITH a totally controlled defeat of youthful Bangladesh yesterday Ireland cruised to the top of the table in Pool B of the World Hockey Cup preliminary competition in Cagliari.

Bangladesh's 4-3 eclipse of Italy on Sunday turned out to be a one day wonder as Ireland established such authority that they led by four goals at half time. Irish goalkeeper Ivan Bateman did not have to make a single save in the entire game.

Irish coach Cees Koppelaar admitted that he was concerned about what Bangladesh might produce - they had recently lost only by 3-2 to Pakistan - but from the start Ireland conceded nothing in midfield or at the back and the pressure was steadily built up against an inexperienced defence.

While Robbie Taylor provided ample aggression, the long reach of Dan Clarke was another source of penetration as the ball was spread wide and deep. After a succession of attacks had been barely foiled, Taylor put Alan Dowd through to open the account in the 17th minute.

Two direct short corner strikes by Taylor, in the 25th and 28th minutes, stunned Bangladesh. The match was over as a contest when, in the last offensive before the interval, Taylor smashed across into the circle for Clarke to guide home the fourth goal.

In the second half Clarke loped through to set up the eager Lee Tumilty for another goal and minutes later Taylor found the net, again from a corner. The rout was completed 13 minutes from the end when Dowd smashed a free to the far post and Chris Jackson dived in to score with relish.

Ireland have two days rest before tackling the United States on Thursday, with six points tucked away from two matches. They are in pole position on goal difference from Poland, who yesterday beat the US 2-1.

Italy collected three points yesterday, but their 3-1 win over Kenya was not impressive against a side which was reduced to eight men early in the second half.