THE Italian women's hockey team, fine tuning preparations for a World Cup preliminary tournament later this year in Trinidad, met with spirited resistance from a hastily assembled Ulster President's XI in Belfast yesterday, eventually securing a 3-0 victory, aided by two goals in the final 12 minutes.

The Italians will face a Leinster President's XI at Belfield, Dublin, tomorrow before renewing their rivalry with Ireland at the same venue on Saturday and Sunday.

Judging by yesterday's lack lustre display from the visitors, Ireland will be confident of extending their success run against individually skilful but collectively limited opposition.

The Ulster selection, with just two out of a possible dozen internationals in their line up, matched the Italians for most of the game until tired limbs and a lack of competitive practice told in the closing stages.

Francesca Faustini breached the host team's rearguard as early as the 11th minute when she beat goalkeeper Mary Nugent from the first penalty corner of the game.

Although seldom threatening the their defence, Ulster enjoyed Italian share of possession until the final quarter when Sonia Scalia and Carla Cotelli (penalty stroke) added further scores.