Scottish club sides in with a shout of European promotion
Scotland’s European representatives Grove Menzieshill and Milne Craig Clydesdale Western have both qualified for the promotion pool in the EuroHockey Club Champions Challenge I and Challenge II competitions.
Grove Menziehill were left with destiny in their own hands against hosts HC Universitario Catania A.S.D earlier this evening after Belgian side Royal Wellington lost 2-1 to undefeated Irish outfit UCD LHC, leaving the second place spot in Pool B up for grabs.
An opening goal from Louise Carroll in the 12th minute gave the Taysiders the lead before the Italians equalised through a Valentina Bonfiglio penalty corner in the 25th minute.
However, Karin Belch’s winning goal in the 45th minute clinched a crucial 2-1 win for Charlotte Jones’ side and ensured the Scottish champions reached the competition’s promotion pool, where they will face Pool A winners Metrostroy tomorrow (13.00 CET).
To have a chance of qualifying for the Club Trophy next season, they will need to beat their Russian opponents.
Meanwhile, Milne Craig Clydesdale Western have a much simpler promotion path to negotiate when they meet Swiss side HC Rotweiss Wettingen in Prague tomorrow (13.00 CET) despite going down 2-0 to SK Slavia Praha earlier today. Adela Bizova notched the two goals for the Czechs.
A win for Neil Menzies’ side tomorrow will ensure that they will qualify for the EuroHockey Club Champions Challenge I next year.
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