MUCKROSS, missing the considerable influence of examination tied mid fielder Mary Logue performed commendably in their opening encounter in the powerful A division of the women's European Club Championship in Russelsheim, near Frankfurt, restricting Glasgow Western to a 2-0 winning margin.

Indeed, it was nearing the end of the game before the Scots breached the Leinster champions' defence, largely due to the alertness of Sandra O'Gorman, who saved two penalty strokes earlier on. The Irish international goalkeeper returned home last night to attend her brother's wedding and will not be available again until Monday's classification game.

Ellen Murray broke the deadlock 11 minutes from the final hooter when she beat O'Gorman from a penalty corner and Britain striker Susan McDonald, who had earlier missed from the penalty spot, made amends when she added Western's second score two minutes later.

Muckross can take some comfort from the fact that holders, Kampong, whom they meet today, thrashed AHTC Vienna 11-0 yesterday, so third place in the section should be well within the Dublin side's grasp.