Scots get sun on their backs

WA R M SUNSHINE greeted the Scottish senior squad when they touched down in South Africa on Monday, writes our women’s hockey correspondent.

There was little time to enjoy the welcome change in conditions, however, before head coach Gordon Shepherd had his 24-strong squad out on the pitch for a light training session.

The f ive- test series against the host nation gets underway in Pretoria on Friday but Shepherd will be looking to get an insight into the strength of the opposition when his players line up for ‘friendly’matchups today and tomorrow.

Midland clubs were back in action for the restart of both league divisions.

Kinross Ladies are on course to lock away another district championship but had their work cut out to overcome St Andrews University II on Saturday.

The students put in a great shift before Kinross shaded the seven- goal thriller courtesy of Vicky Carver (2), Amanda Jane Combe and Gail Nelson.

Madras FP picked up four points from a win over Wanderers II and a 3-3 draw with Dundee University II.

The Uni beat Brechin 5-1 on Saturday.

In Division Two, Stirling University II beat Perthshire II 5-1 to maintain their sixpoint cushion at the top.

Blairgowrie recorded a 3-0 win over Kinross II.