Scotland Boys begin Euros with a win

James Nairn U18Scotland boys got off to a winning start in the EuroHockey Youth Championship II tournament in Glasgow. Goals from Joe Waterston and Owen Jenkins-Garcia gave the Scots a superb 2-0 win over France.

Following a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland, France started the game in the pouring rain but it was Scotland who settled quicker. The Scots were passing the ball around the skiddy surface well, and were looking confident in their home surroundings. Despite the early assurance in possession the France defence was resolute and refused Scotland any real opportunity to threaten the goal.

It was midway through the first half when some great play by Scotland fashioned their first real opportunity – and it was one that could easily have resulted in a goal. Owen Jenkins-Garcia and Alan Johnston combined well with Johnston nearly scoring from close range. Scotland were rewarded with a short corner from which Aidan McQuade shot just wide.

Scotland came forward again and a scramble in the French D looked like it could result in a goal, but the danger was cleared to keep the score 0-0.

France threatened to penetrate the Scotland backline on the break but great defending by McQuade prevented a French shot at goal. Scotland themselves broke and won a short corner. Ryan McCurry has his shot from the short corner saved. Still, Scotland continued to press.

France, however, nearly took the lead towards the end of the first half but were denied by some outstanding goalkeeping. Douglas Gourley in goal for Scotland slid out to clear a dangerous pass but it resulted a penalty corner. Eliot Curty set up Antoine Patoux but found Gourley diving to the top corner to save the powerful shot.

The French came close again on the brink of half time; Gourley was lobbed as he slid out but his captain David Nairn tracked back and cleared the ball off the line.

Half Time Scotland 0 France 0

 

Scotland U18 boysScotland emerged for the second half fired up and almost immediately they opened the scoring. A Scotland short corner resulted in McQuade having the first shot blocked, then Joe Waterston followed in and buried it into top corner. 1-0.

France’s Curty showed great skills, running across the centre line, but made no progress towards Scotland’s goal. Scotland were in control.

Dean Baber went on a brilliant solo run from left into the French D, but the goalie saved well at close range.

Then Louis Goyet shot just wide for France through a move from the left. It was a great opportunity to level the score.

France were made to suffer for their miss when Scotland doubled their lead. A fluid passing move down the right found Jenkins-Garcia arriving unmarked in the D, and he blasted home to make it 2-0 to Scotland.

France had to react quickly and they nearly pulled one back when Etienne Tynevez produced a lovely piece of skill in Scotland’s D. He spun quickly but blasted his shot wide.

With the clock ticking down Scotland could have scored a third when Jack Jamieson showed impressive skills to take him past two French players, but his pass was intercepted.

When the full time hooter sounded the result was never in doubt and Scotland’s boys clocked a well-deserved opening game victory. Their next game is tomorrow against Wales.

 

Full Time: Scotland Boys 2 France Boys 0

Scotland U18 boys 2

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