Scotland claimed victory in the first ever Celtic Challenge, in Glasgow this weekend.
With 1-pt on offer for each of Sunday’s matches, the home side keep hold of the inaugural trophy, after victories in the u20 Men, Snr Men and Snr Women’s matches.
But they didn’t have it easy, with Ireland off to a flyer thanks to a solid performance, and strong comeback from the u20 Women
Trailing 21-16, the match looked set for a 5th set tie break, but brilliant service work from Eimear Byrne (Gardians VC and Holy Family Sec School Newbridge) dragged Ireland back into the set, with her impressive club and school teammate Jess Dowling, on fire to see out the win 25-22 and 3-1 (26-24, 25-14, 12-25, 25-22).
Ireland took control early in the match dominating with some hard hitting down the middle from Laura Connolly (Dublin VC) and smart play from youngster Avril MacHale.
The three-nil defeat in the u20 Men’s game couldn’t have been closer with just a two-point margin in each set (26-24, 25-23, 25-23). Those two teams will meet again at the end of January as Ireland host the Small Countries Association u20M Championships, and first round of the European Championship Qualifiers in Dublin. Young Ballymun setter Tobias Liujkx came to the fore on debut, ably supported by Luke Shudell and captain Ruairi Grier.
Both Senior matches ended 3-nil with Ireland women losing 25-23, 25-13, 25-18 and the men 25-13, 25-22, 25-20. Both teams showing significant improvement versus their last encounters with the hosts. In truth, both matches could have been at least four sets, with the visitors having chances to win sets. Men’s skipper Jerry Obiekwe led the line well with some aggressive play, whilst Ireland’s middle Catherine Murphy scored in a variety of ways.
Irish teams are back in action next week as they travel to Vaduz, Liechtenstein to play the hosts and San Marino in a triangular series.
Results:
Saturday Friendlies
u20 Men SCO 3-1 IRL
u20 Women SCO 2- 3 IRL
Snr Men SCO 3-0 IRL
Snr Women SCO 3-1 IRL
Sunday Celtic Challenge
u20 Men SCO 3-o IRL 26-24, 25-23, 25-23
u20 Women SCO 1- 3 IRL 24-26, 14-25, 25-12, 22-25
Snr Men SCO 3-0 IRL 25-13, 25-22, 25-20
Snr Women SCO 3-0 IRL 25-23, 25-13, 25-18
