Difficult opener for women in Games

Official confirmation that the Scottish senior women will compete in the 2018 Commonwealth Games was greeted with excitement and enthusiasm when Team Scotland announced pools and preliminary schedules at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre yesterday.

The Scots, sixth place finishers at Glasgow 2014, face a tough opener against New Zealand’s Blacksticks (world ranking 5) on April 5, with Canada (21) and Ghana (30) also lined up before their pool B campaign winds up with a dream showdown against home favourites and defending champions, the legendary Hockeyroos.

England (2) will anticipate cruising through pool A unhindered by India (10), South Africa (14), Malaysia (22) or Wales (26).

Scotland women’s head coach Gordon Shepherd said: “What an amazing group of games and what a massive challenge – I don’t think we could have had a harder draw.

“New Zealand are in great form at present after finishing second in the last month’s World League finals.

“Australia are a top team, and playing them on home turf is sure to generate a rousing atmosphere.

“Canada are always a difficult side to play and Ghana are ever improving.

“We are all looking forward to the Commonwealth Games.

“It’s this sort of experience that the players and staff work so hard for.”

Katie Robertson, Sarah Jamieson and Charlotte Watson are strong contenders to be on the flight to Oz.

However their training regime is expected to have a significant impact on local clubs Dundee Wanderers and Grove Menzieshill as they gear up for their respective national indoor league challenges which kick off at Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth tomorrow.

Wanderers’ seven-year domination of the Scottish title will be severely tested with the further loss of international stars Vikki Bunce and Becky Ward.

Bunce’s goal-scoring feats are unrivalled, while Ward has also racked up international accolades for club and country.

Grove and Wildcats do the opening honours at Bell’s Sports Centre with the former lining up against Edinburgh University later.

First hurdle for Wanderers is Clydesdale Western, with their second shift coming at 4.35 versus Kelburne.

The Dundee duo’s back-up squads are in action in the coaching hall with Wanderers II pitching up against Inverleith and Aberdeen Bon Accord, while Grove face Watsonians and Inverleith.

Meanwhile, today’s Midland League Cup matches will wrap up the groups.

Madras are already home and dry in pool C, Grove III are on point in pool A, with pool C as yet undecided.