However, this was the first time that the women have entered two sides – in both the younger and older Masters age groups. It was also the first time that the event has been on home soil (at Peffermill), and that three Borderers have participated.

The three selected representatives were the irrepressible ex-GB international Janet Jack – a stalwart of both previous tournaments – Elena Lunn and Charlotte Barrett; all three from the Borders Fjordhus Hockey Club.

The serious matches were staged on Saturday with a round-robin tournament against Wales, and then England for the trophies in both age groups. This was followed, on the Sunday, by another tournament of slightly shorter, but no less competitive, matches.

England Women were, as ever, the clear favourites for the trophies in both age groups, the squad having only recently returned from Croatia where they had beaten the national team. But Scotland had confidence.

Watching the early games on the Saturday when England played Wales, it seemed that the confidence of the Scots was well-founded.

However, with their limited experience of playing together, and with several players new to international hockey at any level, it was going to need a supreme team effort from the Scots.

The younger squad, featuring Galashiels’ Elena Lunn, narrowly beat the Welsh, albeit comfortably in control, but lost 2-0 to England, who had earlier decimated the Welsh 10-0.

Lunn performed well as high striker, frequently robbing the opposition defenders and laying on passes for the Scotland goals.

Then came the senior Masters squad, including six ex-internationals, with Jack, from Lilliesleaf, as captain, and six new members including Charlotte Barrett, also from Galashiels.

They first destroyed the Welsh 8-0, and then dominated against an outclassed England, running out 2-0 worthy winners and lifting the trophy.

Barrett was awarded the Welsh pennant by the team for ‘outstanding performance by a newcomer’, for her steady, competent defending and putting in timely goal-saving tackles.

Jack was, as ever, exemplary in her endeavours. Ever-present on the pitch, she steered the squad to victory.

Sunday brought similar results with the junior Masters running out second, and once again the senior Masters winning the tournament, ousting England from their traditional top spot with a simply spectacular all-round squad performance, and their clean sheets in all matches over the weekend was testament to their dominance.