Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
ROUND-UP Grange recover to record super Vienna victory
GRANGE won the EuroHockey Club Trophy in Vienna.
However, they lost their first match against Stroitel Brest.
They then had wins over Poznan (Poland) and Minsk from Belarus.
Against Brest, they took the lead five minutes into the second half, Calum McKenzie netting.
However, they conceded twice, in the last minute of the third quarter and three minutes from full-time, to lose 2-1.
The outcome was much better in their second and third matches.
Against Poznan (Poland) they did not take the lead until the last minute of the first half from a penalty corner by Michael McKenzie.
This time they did not let the lead slip.
Their second goal by Frank Ryan, four minutes into the second half, was crucial — and they added two more in the fourth quarter through Callum Milne and Calum McKenzie.
Grange took the lead at the start of the second quarter in their final Pool A match against Minsk but were pegged back in the third quarter.
Luke Cranney soon restored their advantage but again Minsk drew level.
The winner, four minutes from full-time, saw Grange head Pool A on goal difference over Minsk and Stroitel Brest, who had beaten Poznan 4-2.
Three teams finished on 11 points but Grange’s superior goal difference was due to their 4-0 victory over Poznan.
Grange took the lead in the final against Vinnitsa (Ukraine) i n the seventh minute but came under pressure in the second quarter and conceded an equaliser two minutes before half-time.
Grange responded well and re-took the lead five minutes into the second half, Calum McKenzie deflecting a penalty corner in front of the keeper and high into the net.
Grange were awarded another penalty corner in the last minute of the third quarter and Cammie Fraser netted direct with a low flick to give Grange a 3-1 lead.
Frank Ryan seemed to have clinched victory with Grange’s fourth goal just two minutes into the fourth quarter but Vinnitsa responded with a penalty.
Grange were under pressure for much of the last 10 minutes but responded with a goal by Todd Mills in the last minute for a 5-2 victory.
There is still little to choose between St Andrews University II, Wanderers III and Perthshire II at the top of Midlands Division One.
Teams have next weekend to make up outstanding fixtures with the Midland AGM on Monday.
BOTH Scottish women’s teams began EuroHockey Challenge 1 at Peffermill, Edinburgh, with a win to raise realistic hopes both could be in the top two in their pool. This is crucial in order to progress to the next level for next season.
Clydesdale Western established a 2-0 half-time lead through Susie Gillman and Jennifer Eadie.
Lexi Sabatelli restored their two-goal advantage after Gintra Strekte University had pulled one back.
However, Emma McGregor netted their fourth which was more than sufficient even though the Lithuanian side scored late in the match.
Edinburgh University took command in the first half against Metrostroy (Russia) with two goals scored by Amy Brodie. Sam Judge’s 43rd minute strike confirmed their victory.
Clydesdale Western were up against it against Belgian team Braxgata, who had defeated Pisa 9-0 in the opening match. Western conceded four without reply, all in the first half.
Edinburgh University must be disappointed to have only drawn against Swansea City as they had the majority of the pressure.
Captain Zara Malseed gave Edinburgh the lead one minute but Swansea responded immediately. However, Edinburgh could not make late pressure count.
Another draw in their last Pool A match against Swiss side Rot Weiss Wettingen saw both these teams on nine points.
However, Edinburgh topped the pool on goal difference, their 3-0 win over Metrostroy compared with the Swiss side’s 1-0 win being crucial.
Edinburgh then beat Clydesdale 1-0 and finished joint first along with Braxtaga. Clydesdale were joint third along with Rot Weiss Wettingen.