ROUND-UP Coach Gordon is ‘really proud of the players’

IN the RABO EuroHockey Ladies Championships i n Amsterdam, Scotland opened with a 4-1 loss against Germany, the third-ranked team in the competition.

Germany dominated but Scotland stuck to their task. Fiona Burnet (Western) scored with a late penalty corner.

Scotland then had a goalless draw against Ireland.

The Scots had a final-minute opportunity to win three points but, with a successful Irish video referral after the Scots thought they had won a late penalty corner, the chance was lost.

Scotland coach Gordon Shepherd said: “The Irish match was a tough physical game, as we knew it would be, and it could have gone either way. The draw was a fair result.

“We played very well in the third quarter and could have taken advantage of being a player up in the fourth.

“However, the girls gave it everything. I’m really proud of the players. Nothing was left behind.”

The host nation had a 3-1 win over Spain.

Other scores — Belgium 6 Czech Republic 0, England 4 Ireland 1, Spain 7 Czech Republic 1, Germany 1 England 0, Belgium 0 Holland 1.

Scotland play England later today.

Crossover games are on Thursday with placing games on Saturday.

Local players in the 18-strong squad are Becky Ward and Charlotte Watson (Dundee Wanderers), Katie Robertson and Sarah Jamieson (Grove Menzieshill).

The Dundee Wanderers men’s first squad continued their pre-season build-up with a 3-1 win over Inverleith at Peffermill, the promoted team beating the which just missed promotion.

Wanderers’ scorers were Ruairidh Cameron, Rory Taylor and a trialist who scored with a reverse stick shot.

This week Wanderers were due to play Western Wildcats but Western have called off as they did on Saturday against Grove Menzieshill. They cited injuries.

Menzieshill II had a 6-0 win over Perthshire. Scorers were Jamie Golden and Shaan Afzal with two each, Ollie James and Lewis McKenzie.

This weekend, Wanderers II face Monarchs I (2.30) at Dalnacraig. Wanderers I are without a game. Any takers?

Wanderers are training again tonight and on Thursday, juniors from 6pm-7.30pm and seniors from 7.30-9pm. Everyone is welcome to join in. Meet at Dalnacraig ready to run at 6.45, before going on the pitch.

Harris FP had their annual pre-season get together in the form of the George Mechan Tournament with four squads involved.

Fitness sessions continue on Tuesday and Thursday at Balgay Tennis Court starting at 8pm.

On Saturday, the firsts play Dunfermline Carnegie at Riverside (1.30pm).

Monarchs’ pre-season training for ladies and men begins tomorrow at Dalnacraig (7pm-9pm).

Perthshire’s pre-season activity is well under way.

Grove Menzieshill five men’s and three ladies teams have started training on Tuesday and Thursday at DISC.

All Midlands clubs are reminded the next meeting will be held i n Dundee West Church, 130-132 Perth Road, Dundee DD1 4JW. It starts at 7pm on September 5.

The Midlands District has a vacancy for a District Child Protection officer.

Names of those interested should be given at the meeting.