ON THE weekend that she celebrated her 100th international cap Mary Logue produced what her coach described as the "best game she's ever had for her country" in Ireland's 2-0 victory over Scotland in the Sharwoods sponsored senior tournament at Belfield yesterday.
It proved to be a hugely encouraging two days for Terry Gregg and his squad, which leaves for the World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe in just under three weeks' time.
Ulster's Julie Stewart and Arlene Thompson galvanised a magnificent defensive display on Saturday against Spain, the number two seeds in Zimbabwe, to help the team to a morale boosting 0-0 draw before securing their victory over Scotland yesterday, courtesy of two Jenny Burke goals.
In a performance reminiscent of her Muckross displays, Logue created the first of Burke's goals in the 21st minute when she dribbled her way past a string of players before passing to the Hermes striker on the left Burke took her chance beautifully, drilling the ball past Susan Lawrie.
Nine minutes into the second half, a superb run down the left by Railway Union's Carol Devine set up Ireland's second goal, when Burke took advantage of some poor Scottish defending to slot Devine's pass home.
Gregg, who described the fitness of his team as "quite remarkable," pronounced himself "very satisfied" with the weekend's work, highlighting Rachael Kohler's "exceptionally good" form and the "solidity" Jeanette Turner's return had brought to the midfield.
However, Gregg was then left with the unenviable task of having to inform Tara Browne that. Harlequins' Sharon Hutchinson had been selected to till the second goalkeeping spot in the squad for Zimbabwe. He also confirmed that Loreto's Caitriona O'Kelly will replace the injured Laura Brown in the squad for the World Cup qualifier.