Scotland U18 sides experience relegation as European campaigns conclude in Spain

Scotland U18 Men and Women’s EuroHockey U18 Nations Championship campaigns ended in disappointment today as both sides were relegated from the competition.

Scotland U18 Men faced England in a relegation decider, with the winner guaranteed survival in the top division for the competition in 2017.

The Scots got off to a great start in the fourth minute when Joe McConnell scored from a penalty corner set-piece to put them 1-0 up.

However, England were soon back on level terms when Elliot Hibell dispatched a penalty corner in the 14th minute.

Tom Crowson delivered a vital goal for the English a minute before the half-time interval, scoring from open play to make it 2-1.

Two goals in as many minutes immediately after half-time effectively inflicted the crucial blows to Scotland’s survival chances.

Euan Gilmour slotted a penalty stroke into the left corner of the net for England’s third goal in the 36th minute, before Nick Page stole ahead of his marker to finish off a cross into the centre of goal shortly after.

Scotland then produced a courageous comeback in the closing stages; Chris McFadden’s drag-flick pulled the Scots back into the contest with their second goal in the 65th minute, followed by Ryan McCurry’s cool finish three minutes later. Andrew Webb then fired in a fantastic penalty corner right on the 70th minute to level the scores at 4-4.

But England hung on until the final hooter to ensure they finished agonisingly above Scotland on goal difference, resulting in a seventh place finish for the Scots and relegation to Championship II in 2017.

Scotland U18 Women were faced with the prospect of having to record a miraculous high scoring win against Spain to survive in the competition.

Alas, the Spaniards ran out 4-0 winners, meaning Scotland finished bottom of Pool C and will play in the Championship II division in 2017.

Three minutes from the half-time break, Florencia Admundson opened the scoring for the host nation with a field goal.

Patricia Alvarez doubled her side’s advantage two minutes after the re-start with a goal from open play.

Clara Ycart’s field goal on the 45th minute resigned Scotland’s survival ambitions to a forlorn task.

There was time for one more goal just before full-time, Alvarez netting her second goal of the match in the 68th minute to round off the scoring.

Please visit the EuroHockey U18 Nations Championship website for fixtures, results and pool standings.

 

Recent posts:

Back to all news
Back to top