To mangle the meaning of the classic folk song, it was a good night, Irene.
In more than one way, too.
The super shooter potted 42 goals from as many attempts, a meritorious feat even given the meagre standards of the opposition but that was not the mostpleasing aspect of the night for the 35-year-old.
Sitting in the crowd was her mother Irene Viljoen, witnessing for the first time her daughter representing her adopted country.
"I know, it was so cool," said van Dyk after the match. "That is the first time she has seen me play as a Fern."
It is also the first time they have seen each other for three years. It must have inspired van Dyk, as she threw away memories of a disappointing year to dominate in the attacking circle, as she has done for the vast majority of her career.
Asked whether she was disappointed to play only three quarters, van Dyk steered a diplomatic course.
"No. I was happy it was three quarters because Ruth [Aitken] had other plans to get our legs going and get those jitters over with."
Van Dyk had the opportunity to work with both goal attacks in the squad, Jodi Te Huna and Maria Tutaia.
It was too early to make lasting judgements on the effectiveness of the pairings, though on last night's evidence, it appears van Dyk is more comfortable with Te Huna's style of play.
In the final quarter, the Otago shooter moved to goal shoot and formed a decent partnership with the exciting Tutaia.
