Cup dates pencilled in for April

FOLLOWING this weekend, which will see virtually all the National League fixtures completed, the Cup and Plate Finals will be played on April 28 for the men and 29 for the ladies, all at the National Sports Centre in Glasgow.

Out of the 10 Finals scheduled only one includes a team for Midlands, Watsonians 3rds v Grove-Menzieshill 3rds in the Men’s Reserve Plate.

On May 6 and 7 it is back to League Hockey with the various play-off games with anything from Euro places to relegation to be decided.

THE European Hockey Federation has announced that Grove Menzieshill HC is the EHF European Club of the year 2016 for small Clubs (below 300 members)

This is the second Scottish outfit to win the award, with Uddingston taking the 2015 Award.

A spokesman said: “The club is delighted to receive this award as it recognises the value of those volunteers and their time and efforts to generate success.”

Like most Midland Clubs, Grove Menzieshill is open to male and female membership and currently the men are third in their National League Division 1 and the Ladies are second in their Division 1.

IT is ironic that with both the Scottish men’s and ladies’ senior teams both now doing well on the international scene, and now to be playing at above their expected level, there has been an adverse financial implication, at least for the men, whose financial support from funding sources, outwith the SHU, has been reduced considerably. Scotland’s men have qualified for the World League semi-finals in London in June and this is the first time a Scottish men’s team have ever qualified for an event of this standard and now have the opportunity to play for a place in the Hockey World Cup. Anyone can support the team by donating to the crowdfunding or alternatively call the SHU office on 0141 550 5999 to make a donation.

For a full report on Scotland’s World Cup campaign, grab a copy of this Saturday’s Evening Telegraph.