Grange aiming for continental glory and a boost to Scotland’s ranking

Grange have had a very successful domestic season with the league and cup double, and coach David Knipe now hopes to emulate that performance on the continental scene as the Edinburgh side head to Vienna this weekend for the European Club Trophy.

The second-tier comp e tition has become much more competitive in the last decade, particularly with the rise of the Eastern European countries. That is what awaits the Scottish champions, who are up against the Belarus pair Stroitel Brest today and Minsk on Sunday. In between, they take on the Polish side Poznan.

Knipe, pictured, said :“We are seeded fourth so our aim is to try to improve on that seeding. We don’t know so much about our opponents but we are looking forward to the different challenges.”

But there is more at stake than Grange’ s future in Vienna. Their final position will contribute to Scotland’s ranking points for a place in next season’ s elite Euro Hockey League, although ironic ally that place will go to Grove Menzieshill who won the final of the European play-offs last weekend.

Grange have the win ethic behind them. They only lost two competitive matches all season, and have rattled in plenty of goals with Frank Ryan, Luke C ran ney,C all um MacKenzie and captain Cammie Fraser the main contributors.

Meanwhile atPef fer mill, Scotland women’ sc ham pions Edinburgh University and runners- up Milne Craig Clydesdale Western entertain European opposition in the lower Challenge 1 competition.

University have a difficult task with Metros troy( Rus - sia) first up today, Swansea ( Wales) tomorrow and finally Rot weiss Wettin gen( Switzerland) on Sunday. Coach Sam Judge said :“Ideally we are looking for promotion. I think the team have been playing well recently and we have to be confident.

“Its difficult because we don’ t know anything about the opposition at the moment but we can gain that in format ion as the tournament progresses.

“The girls are in good shape which we need because four games in as many days is a tough shift.”

Western have an equally difficult assignment, the Glasgow side taking on Gintra Strekte ( Lithuania), Braxgata ( Balgo - ium) and Pisa ( Italy).

The ideal scenario is that the two Scottish sides win their respective pools and contest each other in Monday’s final, thereby securing a double promotion for the Scots.