Hockey: Celtic Cup joy for Shepherd's new charges

NEW Scotland coach Gordon Shepherd got off to the perfect start with a 2-1 victory over Ireland in Nice yesterday to secure the Celtic Cup for the fourth year in succession.

After 20 minutes the Scots had their noses in front at a penalty corner when Emily Maguire switched the ball on to Ali Bell to score at the back post.

Ireland levelled the scores after the interval before Vikki Bunce and Ailsa Robertson came close to restoring the Scots' lead. Bunce later had to leave the field having been struck on the knee with an Irish stick.

With eight minutes remaining the Scots grabbed the winner when a penalty corner push-out fell kindly to Sam Judge who smacked home a low volley.

The Scots had got off to a perfect start on Saturday with a 2-1 win against France thanks to penalty from Bunce and a winner from Laura Bartlett.

Grange produced the surprise of Subway National League when they beat Greaves Clydesdale by a single goal from Wei Adams at Titwood. The Edinburgh side also saw Rob Barr miss a penalty.

Inverleith crashed 7-2 to league leaders Glynhill Kelburne.

In the women's Presidents Cup CALA Edinburgh began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Porcelanosa Kelburne at Bellahouston.