With just two minutes to go in their fourth and final practice match of the week in Spain yesterday, the Irish women's hockey team were on the verge of pulling off a superb 1-1 draw with Germany, but the 1998 World Cup bronze medallists took advantage of exhausted opponents to score twice more and give themselves a 3-1 victory.

The first of the two 25-minute periods ended 0-0 but Denise Klecker broke the deadlock for the Germans, from a short corner, early in the second half. Sarah Kelleher equalised from another short corner soon after but Cornelia Reiter snatched the win in the 49th minute, adding a third seconds from the end. "Absolutely brilliant," was coach Riet Kuper's verdict on the Irish display which, she said, was the culmination of an invaluable week's work and practice against two of the leading sides in Europe - they also played Spain twice during the week.

"We have learnt so much playing against opposition of this quality and even in the space of a week we have improved immeasurably as a team and as individuals," said Kuper. The quality of the Irish midfield, in particular, has impressed the coach, with Mary Logue, Sarah Kelleher and Rachel Kohler excelling during the week while Loreto's Caitriona O'Kelly seems set for a lengthy international career, judging by Kuper's appraisal of her performances.

RESULT: Germany 3 (D Klecker, C Reiter 2), Ireland 1 (S Kelleher) 1.