Going tough for Scotland U18 sides in Santander

Both Scotland U18 Men and Women experienced defeats on what was a difficult second day of competition at the EuroHockey U18 Nations Championship in Santander, Spain.

Following yesterday’s narrow loss to France, the challenge facing Scotland U18 Women in Pool A didn’t get any easier with Belgium inflicting a 5-0 defeat on the young Scots earlier today.

Three goals conceded inside three minutes midway through the first half proved to be their undoing; Mathilde Raymakers gave Belgium the lead in the 17th minute, driving forward into the circle to crash the ball into the net, before Carolien Jakus struck a penalty corner shot low into the left corner of the goal sixty second later. Shaunda Ikegwuonu was then on hand almost immediately after to turn the ball into the net at the back post following another Belgian penalty corner set-play.

The Scots regrouped at half-time to rally in the second half, but goalmouth chances were limited.

Six minutes from full-time, Lissa Vanmechelen made it 4-0 with a swivel and reverse stick shot in front of goal, which was followed by a superb individual effort from Ikegwuonu, beating Scotland’s defence with a mazy run and finish.

Scotland’s final pool match is against the Netherlands on Wednesday, but they are already resigned to the relegation pool starting on Friday.

Scotland U18 Men were left to rue missed opportunities as they lost three late goals against Ireland in Pool B.

Following a goalless three quarters of the match, Irish forward Fred Morris seized on a Scottish defensive lapse in concentration to strike an excellent reverse stick shot low into the opposite corner from the right of the circle.

Seven minutes from time, Ireland registered the first of two penalty corner strikes, Julian Dale firing an unstoppable drag flick high into the net, followed by Keith O’Hare striking the ball low and hard into the goal to round off the scoring.

Scotland’s final pool match is against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

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

 

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