The Scottish Centenary tournament followed predictable lines in Edinburgh over the weekend as Holland and Spain were largely the dominant forces while Ireland and Scotland were left to make the most of last night's ceili. The best Irish achievement was that of the women's team in drawing 0-0 with Spain, but they lost 5-0 to Holland. The Irishmen, after being four down to the Dutch, did not throw in the towel in a 4-1 defeat but they had little response to Spain yesterday, losing 3-0. Ireland were fortunate to be no more than two goals down to Paul Polamat at half time, before Tubau added a third at the start of the second period.
On Saturday, Ireland restricted Holland to a 1-0 half time lead obtained by Martin Eikelboom, but three reflex touches by Stephen Veen and Eikilboom (2) within five minutes early in the second period left the world champions cruising. Gordon Elliot scored a quick reply.
After a remarkable defensive performance by the Irish women in frustrating Spain on Saturday, they could not hold back the Dutch tide yesterday. The European champions were three up at the interval, yet Tara Browne again showed her ability as a top class international goalkeeper in being beaten only twice in the second half.
Apart from gaining one short corner in yesterday's match and two against Spain, the Irish girls rarely managed to amount substantial attacks.
Pressed back, Rachel Kohler and Daphne Sixsmith defended incredibly tenaciously on Saturday when Ireland almost snatched what would have been an amazing winner in the dying seconds, Lynsey McVicker created an opening for jenny Jenny Burke, whose shot on the turn was just off the target.
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