Scotland set realistic expectations for European indoor campaign

Scotland Senior Women travel to the north of France this week to take part in the EuroHockey Nation Championship II competition in Cambrai.

Taking place from 22-24 January, the Scots have been drawn in Pool A alongside Croatia, Lithuania and Switzerland. Pool B features hosts France, England, Russia and Wales.

The top two from each pool will qualify for a promotion pool stage, with the winner and runners-up qualifying for the Championship division in 2018.

The remaining four teams will battle it out to avoid relegation, with the bottom two sides dropping down to Championship III.

Assessing his side’s hopes ahead of the competition, Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “Our target is to be competitive in every pool match, hopefully finish in the top two positions and therefore reach the promotion stage of the competition.

“But every game will be a challenge, and I know that a number of the competing teams have invested a great deal of time and money in preparation for the tournament. Switzerland, for example, have had prep camps and several warm-up matches before this weekend. So retaining our place in the division is the realistic target.”

The Dundonian and his coaching staff have selected a team containing a mixture of experienced individuals and younger players, with a real focus on development and exposure at this level of international competition for the new, incoming squad members.

Additionally, injuries have meant a re-jiggle of the original selection plans, with vice-captain Kareena Marshall pulling out of the squad after picking up a knee injury in the Grove Menzieshill indoor tournament. Surbiton’s Robyn Collins is drafted into the travelling party.

“Seven of the squad will be uncapped at indoor international level, and two players are still at school”, said Shepherd. “The indoor programme has always been designed to blood new players in this environment to allow them to progress to joining the senior outdoor programme. For example, Susan McGilveray and Nicki Lloyd broke into the senior squad in this manner a few years ago.

“I’m excited about the potential of the squad, we have good young players to add to the experience of Vikki Bunce and Becky Ward. The tournament will be a good test of the entire squad.”

Scotland Senior Women: Vikki Bunce (captain), Charlotte Watson, Becky Ward (all Dundee Wanderers), Nicola Cochrane, Susan McGilveray, Alison Howie, Jennifer Eadie, Heather Howie (all Milne Craig Clydesdale Western), Jayne McLaughlin (Western Wildcats), Amy Costello (CALA Edinburgh), Katie Robertson (Grove Menzieshill), Robyn Collins (Surbiton) .

Fixtures and more can be found on the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Championship II website

Recent posts:

Back to all news
Back to top