On top of the world

A Scotland squad packed full of current and former Kelburne stars has qualified for the World League semi-final.

The Scotland senior men’s hockey team has qualified for the closing stages for the first time in the tournament’s history and will travel to London for the next round between June 15 and 25.

The Bluesticks ranks have boasted the likes of Paisley talents Lee Morton and Alan Forsyth, who have been joined by David Forsyth, Ed Greaves and Willie Marshall in turning out for Derek Forsyth’s side.

Also featuring in London will be England, the Netherlands, India, Pakistan, Korea, Canada, China, Malaysia and Argentina.

The Scots finished third at World League 2 in Belfast in March after a 4-0 victory over Wales in the third-place play-off. The tournament was a success for the team as they finished three places above their seeding and Alan Forsyth was voted player of the tournament.

In the World League competition, the two highest ranked of the third-placed finishers from each event progress through to the next phase of the competition.

Scotland’s place in World League semi-final was confirmed when USA defeated Russia in the third-place playoff at World League 2 in Trinidad and Tobago, meaning Scotland were one of the top two ranking teams in a third spot.

Scotland head coach Derek Forsyth said: “I’m delighted that we have qualified for World League semi-finals.

“It was a tremendous effort by the team and staff in Belfast and they thoroughly deserve the opportunity to play in London.

“We’re looking forward to coming up against some of the best teams in the world.”