IRELAND'S 1-1 draw with Scotland yesterday saw them go through the three-match programme in the men's international hockey tournament at Edinburgh over the weekend unbeaten. They beat France 4-1 and Scotland B 2-1.

Ireland alas never played to their true potential. They are clearly lacking the guidance of their former midfield stars Jimmy Kirkwood and Marty Sloan.

This, however, was a weekend of experiment for the Irish coach, Cess Koppelaar, and he obviously learnt much about the players he now has under his wings. He unquestionably had one outstanding success in his squad of 18 and that was Chris Jackson who made his international debut against France.

Koppelaar did not play him in the final match and in his absence Ireland really struggled.

Scotland got off to a tremendous start with a goal after six minutes by Graham Joyce. Robbie Taylor equalised within three minutes from a penalty.

As The game progress both sides became rather cagey, with neither really wanting to show their hand in the light of the fact that they will be in direct opposition in the opening series of games in the preliminary round of the World Cup starting in Cagliari, Sardinia, next month.

Ireland also received a difficult passage on Saturday against Scotland B. They made the initial breakthrough but were soon brought back to level terms and it required a goal 61 seconds from time by Jackson to give them victory.