Hockey: U-21 women earn spurs in Celtic Cup

SCOTLAND women's under-21 hockey side had to battle hard to secure a 2-0 win over Ireland in the final match of this year's Celtic Cup in Cookstown yesterday afternoon.

After a physical first half, the young Scots had to withstand the home side's concerted pressure, and Milne Craig's Amy Gibson had to make a number of good saves to keep the scores level.

Scotland eventually broke the deadlock when Amy Brodie opened the scoring with a calm finish. Within minutes the game was made safe when Ali Howie cut the ball back from the baseline for Morag McLellan to supply the finish.

Earlier in the day France had defeated Wales to claim the title, and Scotland had to settle for second place. The opening day loss to the French was to prove critical as the girls then went on to demolish Wales 5-0 on Saturday, with Grove's Daniele Johnston (4) and Milne Craig's Ali Howie the scorers .