Scotland’s under-21 men retained the Junior Celtic Cup on goal difference after contesting a stirring 3-3 draw with Ireland in the final match at Peffermill yesterday.

Both sides had won their first two matches, but the Scots had beaten France 5-1 on Saturday, and therefore held the advantage, although the Irish looked better organised and strung their passes together with greater confidence.

Somewhat against the run of play, Scotland went two up in the space of two minutes when, first, Kenny Bain converted a penalty stroke in the 11th minute, then Ross Stott did well to control a bobbling ball at the back of the circle before crashing it into the back of the net.

Ireland hit back at a 28th minute penalty corner, but the Scots went two ahead again just before half-time when Philip Rae found the target in a crowded circle to make it 3-1 at the interval.

With both sides jostling for control of the game, it was Ireland who made a dramatic breakthrough, converting a penalty stroke after Scotland goalkeeper Jamie Cachia illegally brought down an opponent, then equalising from open play two minutes later.

With Scotland needing only to draw, the final ten minutes became a feisty battle to keep the Irish at bay, and the Scottish defence was impressive in its solidity in the circle to achieve their ambition in front of their new coach Brett Garrard.

Earlier, Scotland’s women finished top of the Celtic tree by virtue of a 1-1 draw with Ireland. With Ireland needing victory to snatch the title from the Scots who had won both their previous games, it should have been a thriller.

Ireland took the lead from the first penalty corner of the game, their captain Aine Connery neatly converting. And Scotland equalised in the tenth minute with an absolutely fantastic goal, Sue McGilveray executing a hard-hit diagonal cross from the right, which was accelerated on its way to goal by a brilliantly-timed sweep by Nikki Kidd.

Thereafter, it was an undistinguished game, devoid of eye-catching personal skills on either side, which must be a particular worry for Scotland coach Dave Stott. Of nine penalty corners, not one yielded any expectations that the ball would end up in the back of the net; indeed, none had to be saved by the French keeper.

And it was much the same in the outfield where, despite overall dominance by the Scots, only Emily Maguire, Kimi Bright and Kidd threatened the French circle at any stage. It was enough for Scotland to claim the trophy, but it will be way short of what’s needed to do well in the forthcoming European tournament.