Exin Masters Hockey World Cup – Terrassa 2018 – Scotland over 35s Men.

On the back of a Home Nations which saw Scotland’s over 35 men’s side perform strongly for a third placed finish, there was an understandable confidence that the squad could continue to improve on the biggest of all stages.  The squad had a good preparation for the tournament with friendlies against club sides Uddingston, Inverleith, Erskine Stewart’s Melville, Grange, Watsonians and Hillhead.

First up for the Scots were the auld enemy, England, a team that had been meticulous in their preparations with the sole aim of winning the World Cup.  Having met a month earlier in the Home Nations both sides had an idea of what to expect going into the opening encounter.  Scotland began the match strongly matching their opponents until late in the first quarter, with England taking a one goal lead into the break.  The second quarter was well contested, however, England had the edge in attack adding a further two goals in what was a very controlled and clinical display.  Unfortunately Scotland lost key defender Phil Mathison late in the half to a nasty facial injury.  Having had thirty minutes to acclimatise to the stifling temperatures Scotland came out for the second half with renewed vigour matching their opponents fitness, intensity and desire.  This collective determination produced a much stronger half of hockey, with the Scots shutting England out.  Final score 3-0 no disgrace against a very well organised and talented England team.

Next up for Scotland were Australia who had begun their European tour with a week’s training and matches in Holland.  Big, strong and super fit, the Ozzies left Scotland chasing shadows for the first half as their crash-bang-wallop style of hockey left Scotland gasping for air. Numerous close misses and three goals later, Scotland were relieved to regroup only three goals down at halftime.  As was to become the pattern throughout the tournament the plucky Scots agreed that they were not there to make up the numbers and produced an outstanding third quarter with a Phil Godsiff drag flick reducing the deficit to two goals with fifteen minutes to play.  Australia though wary of the improved performance of the Scots upped their game again grabbing two more goals to seal a deserved 5-1 win.

After a day recovering in the Spanish sun Scotland faced up to close rivals Wales in what many billed as a must win match if either team had aspirations for a top four finish.  In a forgettable match Scotland failed to find the level of performance which had seen them compete so strongly in their opening encounters.  Wales seemed more determined and fresher with their better play resulting in a one goal halftime lead.  Injuries to Rob Stewart and Craig Hilton and a card suspension for Magnus Ferrier not aiding the comeback halfway through the match.  There was a glimmer of hope early in the third quarter when sinner became saint, with Ferrier scoring from a penalty corner.  This comeback was short lived as Wales restored their one goal cushion minutes after Scotland’s opener.  This was then followed by another goal on the break a few minutes after.  Final score Scotland 1 – 3 Wales.

After some open and frank words amongst the squad it was agreed that a change of tact was required if they were to salvage anything from the tournament.  Against South Africa, Scotland decided that they were going to become more offensive changing from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3, a bold move and one that had not been practised.  There were additions to the squad for the match with Alan Meikle and Andrew Dane flying in and Phil Godsiff departing.  An exciting start to the match so both teams playing open and attack minded hockey.  Unfortunately for Scotland their injury voodoo struck again, this time new boy Andrew Dane was struck down with a nasty knee injury which was to put him out of the rest of the tournament.  Not long after this blow South Africa took the lead adding to the Scot’s woes.  Not deterred by this disappointing start to the match Scotland clawed their way back in to the match and deserved their equaliser at the hands of midfielder Craig Hilton.  A titanic tussle ensued with neither team willing to compromise on their attacking intent.  In a contest too tight to call, Scotland got their rewards for an energetic and lively second half performance with Magnus Ferrier blasting an unstoppable shot past the hapless South Africa keeper.  A tough way to lose for South Africa, but nevertheless a terrific response from the Scotland side.

Next up for the buoyant Scots were the Germans, a side that had so far been inconsistent in their opening matches.  Tall, athletic and technically near perfect the Scots with their dwindling squad struggled at the start of the match going down to an early penalty corner.  With their new attacking mind set though Scotland were soon back in the match with Chris Wilson scoring a sublime volley off his own keepy up.  With neither team willing to give up without a fight it was Germany that found that extra ounce of energy and class to steer the contest away from Scotland with two further goals, one from open play and the other from a penalty corner.  Final Score, Germany 3-1 Scotland.  A defeat yes, but lots of positives looking forward.

Scotland’s final group match against hosts Spain had thrown up some interesting predicaments.  A win for Scotland would earn them a bronze medal match, a draw a fifth and sixth play off and a loss would see the finish last.  Knowing exactly what they had to do Scotland produced an outstanding performance despite the odds being stacked against them to record a noteworthy 3-0 win, with two stunning individual goals from Graham Batchelor and an Alan Meikle reverse stick providing the finishing touches.  All made the more remarkable given the depleted squad numbers and the fact the match was played in the middle of the day in soaring temperatures.  A stunning turnaround for the Scottish team after the lows of defeat against Wales.

Bronze Medal Match

Scotland’s final match of the World Cup would see them face Germany again in the Bronze medal match.  With only two fit outfield subs, latterly one, Scotland succumbed to a superior Germany side despite their committed efforts.  The Germans had too much on the day and took advantage of their greater numbers and freshness to secure the bronze medal with a comfortable 4-0 win.  A match played by both sides with a smile on their faces and a deserved medal for a terrific German team.

Next year the squad look forward to the Home Nations in Glasgow at the end of June and also the Europeans later on in the summer.  With a few players hoping to step up to represent the over 40s next year there is scope for new players to join.  Please get in touch by emailing [email protected] if interested.

Report provided by Alan Meikle 

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