Spirited Scots level series with victory in Belfast

Coach Gordon Shepherd called for improvement after Scotland’ s 6-2 loss in the second Test against Ireland and he got it with a 2- 1 series- levelling win in Belfast.

The Scots were under some pressure in the opening exchanges and keeper Lucy Cam lin was called upon for a couple of saves. But it was the visitors who took the lead at their first penalty corner, brilliantly deflected into the net by Fiona Bruce.

And they doubled their lead with Sarah Jamieson’s calm finish.

Ire land struck back just before the inter val when Gillian Pinder finally beat Camlin at their third penalty corner attempt.

Scotland looked to have taken a 3-1 lead when 17- year- old Emily Dark had the ball in the Irish net only for the umpire to chalk it off for the use of the back of the stick in the build- up.

There was some lastditch defending as the Irish pressed for the equaliser, then, with three minutes remaining, the Irish coach elected to replace his keeper with an additional outfield player in an attempt to save the game. The plan almost paid off as they were awarded another penalty corner but the danger was cleared.

Shepherd said :“There was a lot of character shown by the players today after a difficult defeat yesterday. The young players also showed the character needed to bounce back.

“We deserved to win and could have scored more goals. The forward line was looking good and there was balance across the team. It’s pleasing to see the squad get a good win to finish off the series.”

In Malaysia, Great Britain’s under- 21s beat Australia 4- 2 to maintain their perfect record in the Sultan of Johor Cup.

With the GB youngsters t railing 2- 1 , Grange strike r Call um Mackenzie cracked in a brilliant equaliser before going on to win the game with two late goals.