Ronald Ross's side restored some pride to Scottish shinty when they pulled off a memorable victory against Ireland's hurlers to put themselves ahead in the series for the first time since 2010.
The Scots have struggled with the pace of the Irish forwards in recent times in the cross-code clashes but this time it was the home side that dominated at Inverness's Bught Park.
They took an early two-point lead thanks to a Kevin Bartlett strike and with the help of a strong breeze, the Scots looked likely to overwhelm their visitors. However, Gary Innes and Roddy Macdonald missed simple chances while at the other end Stuart Macdonald made a tremendous reflex save to keep out a point-blank strike from Tipperary's Patrick Maher.
Bartlett put his side a further two points ahead in 14 minutes from a free hit won by the persistent play of Newtonmore's Fraser Mackintosh. Mackintosh then dispossessed an Irish defender and Roddy Macdonald scored from close range to add another three points to Scotland's tally.
A further two-pointer from Bartlett gave the Scots a 9-0 lead before Ireland replied after 25 minutes with a single point from Patrick Horgan and then with a goal from Cork's Connor Lehane who fired an unstoppable shot past Macdonald from an acute angle.
Horgan clawed another Irish point back before a neat interchange between John Macdonald and Mackay sent Newtonmore's Paul MacArthur clear. His effort flew just over and only counted for a single, but Bartlett added another two-pointer and although Horgan notched another point for the visitors Scotland went in at the break with a 13-6 lead.
Paul Dermody picked up an early single in the second half, but Roddy Macdonald marked his return from the international wilderness with his second goal of the afternoon.
Two more points from Bartlett put Scotland further ahead before Ireland's Patrick Maher ran through to score a fine solo goal with the pace beginning to take a toll on the Scottish defence.
After Bartlett once again helped out with a further double the Irish fought back with points from Lehane and Paul Divilly. However, Bartlett had the last word with Scotland's third goal when he plucked a Macdonald cross out of the air and fired home to confirm his man of the match status.
Stuart Macdonald made two fine late saves as the Irish fought to reduce the margin of defeat ahead of next weekend's return leg in Newry.
Scotland manger Ross was delighted with the result, but cautious about the return trip. He said: "The job is only half done but at least matters are still in our own hands."
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