CLAIRE McMAHON'S strike midway through the second half gave Ireland victory in their opening game of the Four Nations Under-21 hockey tournament against Scotland at Belfield yesterday. The other match was decided by the same margin, with Wales taking the honours in their's encounter against the Czech Republic.

This was the first time that a tournament has been played under the new rules in this country, with offside no longer a part of the game.

While there were plenty of goal-mouth incidents in both games, it appeared that the players have not quite adapted to the amendments.

Ireland should have had the game tied up by the break, with Zanya Dahl and McMahon spurning several chances to open the scoring. But Judith Crawford and a strong Scottish defence denied them. The second half had only begun when Johanna Hyland split open the defence, but she shot wide.

From what was only Ireland's second short corner of the game, McMahon fired in the winner from the set piece which she herself had forced. A neat touch from skipper Kim Mills enabled the senior international to seal the issue for the home team. McMahon later limped off with an Achilles tendon injury, but is expected to play in the remaining games.

Scotland were unlucky not to have opened the scoring just before McMahon's goal when Kathryn Gray hit the post, with Catrina Semple's follow-up shot taken off the line by Dahl. Scotland tried for the equaliser but the Irish defence stood firm.

One goal was also sufficient for Wales, with Tracey Evans finishing off a fine solo effort by Kate Thomas 10 minutes into the game against the Czech Republic.

Spare a thought for the Czech Republic side on Sunday night. When their soccer team are doing battle at Wembley for the European title, the under-21 hockey squad will be heading back to Prague. The party intends to watch the opening half on the team bus, and then the second period on the Holyhead ferry.