Scotland U18 Girls win in Prague

Scotland’s U18 girls were in action last weekend against the Czech Republic as part of their preparations for the EuroHockey U18 Championship II in Spain next month.

Head Coach Colin Clarke saw the trip as an opportunity for the squad to develop further and focus on the areas they’d been working on training and the girls stepped up the challenge, winning three out of three tests.

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After adjusting to the heat and playing a morning training session in very humid conditions the girls were ready for the first game on Friday evening. Led out by captain Maisie Morris, the squad put in a strong early performance with Scotland very much the more attacking of the two teams.

The strong start paid off almost immediately and the girls went 1-0 up after only four minutes through a goal from Claire Hill. The squad were careful to remain focused and a short corner in the seventh minute led to a goal from Susan Graham, taking the score to 2-0.

Maintaining momentum Scotland continued to press and were rewarded in the 23rd minute with a goal from Emma McGregor, who was playing in only her third international game after a strong debut against Wales in April. As the second half started it was clear the Czechs were up for a fight and came back a much stronger team than that of the first half. Taking their opportunities they pushed forward and created several scoring opportunities, although the Scots remained strong in defence, a late goal from the Czechs resulted in a final score of 3-1.

Game two saw the girls play under the mid-day sun, with temperatures of over 30 degrees, on a pitch with no dugouts or shade, so although uncomfortable conditions the Scots adapted quickly with intensity levels remaining high and again appearing the stronger team at the off.

Not long into the game the Scots took the lead through a goal from Millie Brown, however, the Czechs continued to push forward and were rewarded with a goal just before half-time. Having worked hard in training prior to heading out to Prague, the girls’ physical condition was pushed to the limit but they showed commitment and determination, winning the game 2-1 througha goal from Susan Graham who’s initial strike at a short corner towards the end of the game was saved but was quick to make sure her rebound shot was on target.

Going into the final game Scotland were prepared for a tough challenge from the Czechs who would certainly not want to lose all three tests on home soil. This resulted in a very physical game, however, it wasn’t long until Maisie Morris took the lead with only four minutes gone.

The rest of the game saw both teams working exceptionally hard in 31 degree conditions with scoring opportunities at both ends of the pitch and several key saves from the Scots keeper Rowan Sinclair. However, it was Scotland who broke the deadlock and the lead was extended in the 63rd minute through Millie Brown and then again almost immediately in the 65th through Claire Hill, ending the game 3-0 to Scotland.

Coach Colin Clarke noted that “The trip was a success as it enabled the girls to play and train in humid conditions against a competitive Czech side. We have areas to develop over the coming weeks but it was a positive step forward in preparation for the European Championships.”

The girls now continue their preparations with several training sessions and warm up games against Scotland U21s before heading to Spain on 4th July for the EuroHockey Championship II in Santander.

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