Ireland opened their account early against fellow celts, Scotland tonight in their first of three international matches taking place this weekend in Banbridge Hockey Club.

The opening five minutes were equally contested until Ireland took the advantage opening up to secure their first goal when Mitch Darling worked some magic along the by-line to lay the ball off for Michael Watt to reverse stick from an acute angle high into the net.

Ireland upped the tempo dominating the game over Scotland, until the 17th minute when the visitors found their way into the circle for the first time in this match but their shot on goal was denied by a solid Irish defence.

Ireland were quick to counterattack winning a penalty corner just two minutes later but Scotland were on form in the back and blocked the Irish efforts. Just nine minutes later Ireland surged once again when John Jermyn broke free from defence setting Michael Watt free for a solo run but his reverse stick shot flashed just wide across the goal mouth.

Scotland found their equaliser just three minutes from the break when a short corner effort resulted in a goal mouth scramble to which Mark Ralph got the final touch for a 1-1 draw at half time.

Ireland opened strong in the second half and were soon rewarded in the 45 minute when Timmy Cockram picked off a pass from John Jermyn and reverse sticked a hard shot through the goal keepers legs to take the lead once more.

Ireland continued to dominate but despite greater possession they failed to take their numerous opportunities to add to their tally. Scotland got another penalty corner with just three minutes left but Harte was on form to keep the threat at bay. The resulting counter attack gave Eugene Magee the chance to fire away a hard shot from which the rebound gave Ireland one more penalty corner chance just before full time. Marksman John Jermyn stepped up to dragflick high into the net for a 3-1 victory and his 50th international goal.

Ireland - Scotland 3-1 (1-1)
Goals: Mikey Watt 5m (op), Timmy Cockram 45m (op), John Jermyn 69m (pc); Mark Ralph 32m (pc)

Irish Squad:

David Harte (Pembroke W); Iain Walker (YMCA); Ronan Gormley Capt (Pembroke Wanderers); Tim Lewis (Pembroke Wanderers); Joe Brennan (Glenanne); John Jackson (Loughborough); Conor Harte (Pembroke Wanderers); John Jermyn (Cork C of I); David Hobbs (Cork C of I); Stephen Butler (Glenanne); Graham Shaw (Glenanne); Geoff McCabe (Dragons); Eugene Magee (Dragons); Michael Watt (Dragons); Timmy Cockram (Lisnagarvey); Alan Sothern (Pembroke Wanderers); Mitch Darling (Leuven); Phelie Maguire (Leuven).

Next Matches (Banbridge HC):
Saturday 6pm Ireland v Scotland
Sunday 2pm Ireland v Scotland

Source: Irish Hockey