Brothers in arms get national call
Brothers in arms Neil and Michael Robertson will proudly pull on the Scotland colours this summer.
The Perthshire Hockey Club pair, from Auchterarder, have been called into the national over-35 masters squad for two prestigious events.
There is a Home Nations outing to look forward to in Wales before the Masters World Cup takes place in Nottingham in August.
Neil, whose favoured position is in the midfield, was delighted to earn selection for what will be a first trip with a Scotland team.
“There was obviously excitement in getting called up and a bit pride as well,” Neil told the Perthshire Advertiser. “Putting on your country’s shirt is going to be good. I’m elated because it has been hard work.
“I knew I could maybe get into the squad so have upped my training. I’m expecting a high standard.
“Through the grapevine we were told the Sierra Leone team for World Cup is their full national squad.
“Being able to play for Scotland with a sport you love is just really good. It was never really on the radar because, when we were younger, over-35s wasn’t a big thing. It was really just the full Scotland squad.
“But when it was started, it was always on my mind that I wanted to try out for it.”
Playing alongside brother Michael, a forward, is going to make the experience extra special.
Neil expects them to dove-tail well, saying: “Myself and my brother have played together that long and we know how each other work.
“We bounce off each other. It’s one of those things where you look up and just know where each other is going to be on the pitch.
“Michael is slightly older than me. He tried last year but didn’t make it, so he was more determined to make it this year. I was determined as well.”
On the club front, Neil netted for Perthshire in a convincing Scottish Cup win against Highland last weekend, played in terrible conditions. Other goals from Stephen Dick (2), Michal Czub (2), Adam Czub and Tom Cahalin completed the 7-1 victory.
“It was a good win considering the weather,” Neil said. “It was probably the worst weather I’ve ever played in and it rained constantly the whole game.
“It was good to get outdoor with the full team back together and playing like that. There was some good, free-flowing hockey.
“We’ve got Menzieshill in the next round. Some of the youngsters maybe don’t enjoy playing against the bigger teams.
“But for the older ones, certainly myself and Michael, we love playing against bigger teams because it’s a chance to challenge yourself.
“I had a wee period away at another club but family reasons brought me back.
“I’m enjoying my hockey. I played for Perthshire 19 years before, so it’s like playing with friends again which is really enjoyable.”
Neil is also enjoying the mix of experience and youth in the current Perthshire line-up.
He said: “We’ve got a core of five or six older players who are committed every week.
“It’s good to show the youngsters commitment and experience. That experience helps to bring them on, so it works well.”