Shinty/Hurling: Bartlett seals fine win for Scots

HURLING/SHINTY INTERNATIONAL SERIES FIRST TEST: SCOTLAND 3-14 IRELAND 2-8

Scotland recorded their first test win over Ireland since 2010, and their first home win since 2007, with an impressive nine-point win in the first of the two-test Hurling/Shinty International Series at Bught Park, Inverness on Saturday afternoon.

On a special day for the home side, two goals from Roddy MacDonald (Kyles) and a third late on from Man of the Match Kevin Barlett (Lovat) helped Scotland to the convincing win, which leaves them in an excellent position to win the series outright for the first time since 2008, when they defeated Ireland in Nowlan Park.

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The second test takes place next Saturday in Páirc Esler, Newry.

Scotland got off to a flying start in Bught Park, with a string of points from Bartlett and a goal from MacDonald helping them into a 1-6 to 0-0 lead with 22 minutes on the clock.

Soon after, a goal from Conor Lehane was followed by two points from his fellow Corkman Patrick Horgan and Ireland were only four behind as half-time approached. However, Scotland finished the half well and points from Paul MacArthur (Newtonmore) and the outstanding Bartlett had them 1-10 to 1-3 ahead at the interval.

The writing was on the wall for Ireland shortly after the restart when a second goal from MacDonald was followed by more points from the nerveless Bartlett. That left Scotland 2-12 to 1-4 ahead and seemingly out of sight.

Tipperary star Patrick 'Bonner' Maher revived the Irish hopes with a fine goal to reduce the deficit to seven points, but Scotland's lead was never really threatened in the final stages, and a late goal from Bartlett sealed the victory - and an outstanding individual performance.