Hurling/Shinty: Scotland defeated Ireland 2-13 to 2-5 in an highly entertaining international clash at Croke Park yesterday.

Gary Innes fired the Scots into an early four-point lead with two well-taken scores off the ground from dead-ball situations.

Seán Silke's side did fight back with a point from sharpshooter Kevin McGarry and a goal from Kerry's John Griffin to leave the sides level at 1-1 to 0-4 after 18 minutes.

However, Victor Smith hit the back of Graham Clarke's net in the 27th minute to leave Ireland six points behind at the break.

When Kildare's Paudie Reidy scored a goal in the 66th minute, it seemed as though a comeback was on the cards. However, a minute later Ross ended Irish hopes with a goal for the visitors.

IRELAND: G Clarke (Down), J Bermingham (Wicklow), D Coulter (Down), C Cunniffe (Leitrim), K Divilly (Kildare), A Gaul (Carlow), J Griffin (Kerry, 1-0), P McCormack (Armagh), P Reidy (Kildare, 1-0), K McGarry (Fermanagh, 0-5), R Mulry (Roscommon), M O'Neill (Wicklow), G Savage (Down), D Shaw (Carlow). Subs: P Gannon (Meath) for D Coulter, J Glancy (Leitrim) for J Griffin (both 59 mins); M Kettle (Antrim) for R Mulry (50); T Lennon (Roscommon) for K Divilly (26).