IRELAND were involved in two draws at the Tri nations women's hockey tournament in Edinburgh over the weekend, where they shared the spoils with France (1-1) and Scotland (0-0).

"The team continues to make steady progress," said upbeat coach Terry Gregg, adding: "The pattern of our play against Scotland was easily the best of the season.

Yesterday's confrontation with Scotland was Ireland's fourth outing of the season, but in the eyes of Gregg it "was easily our best showing and with six months still to go before we start the serious part of our build up towards the World Cup, we are certainly making progress".

The Irish coach will, however, be disappointed in not beating France on Saturday, after Ireland squandered two good openings before Sarah Kelleher, of Muckross, gave them the lead in the 38th minute.

Scoring opportunities were limited in the tussle with Scotland, but still Ireland had two chances in the second half. The first from Kelleher, from the fifth of their six penalty corners, was saved on the line, by the Scottish captain, Diane Renilson, and then four minutes from time, Mary Logue broke clear on the left flank and outstripped the Scottish defence with a cross right across the face of the goal, but unfortunately for Ireland, there was no one in support and a great scoring opportunity was lost.