Scotland’s women finished top of the Celtic tree by virtue of a 1-1 draw with Ireland. With Ireland needing victory to snatch the title from the Scots who had won both their previous games, it should have been a thriller.
Ireland took the lead from the first penalty corner of the game, their captain Aine Connery neatly converting. And Scotland equalised in the tenth minute with an absolutely fantastic goal, Sue McGilveray executing a hard-hit diagonal cross from the right, which was accelerated on its way to goal by a brilliantly-timed sweep by Nikki Kidd.
Thereafter, it was an undistinguished game, devoid of eye-catching personal skills on either side, which must be a particular worry for Scotland coach Dave Stott. Of nine penalty corners, not one yielded any expectations that the ball would end up in the back of the net; indeed, none had to be saved by the French keeper.
And it was much the same in the outfield where, despite overall dominance by the Scots, only Emily Maguire, Kimi Bright and Kidd threatened the French circle at any stage. It was enough for Scotland to claim the trophy, but it will be way short of what’s needed to do well in the forthcoming European tournament.
