Two hockey players from East Kilbride Hockey Club represented Scotland last weekend at Durham University, where they took on a North of England select.
Sally Hall and Sheona Hutchison, both from Strathaven, played in the Scottish Women’s Masters over 40s team in the warm up matches, and enjoyed an unbeaten weekend.
For Sheona it was her first taste playing for Scotland.
She said: “It was good to get off the mark and have a couple of games to settle into the team and see how everyone plays.
“I enjoyed playing with the team and learned a lot more about how the coach wants us to play. I’m looking forward to building on that.”
The 44-year-old played alongside club team-mate and friend Sally Hall (43), who was named as captain of the squad.
It’s Sally’s second year in a Scotland shirt after representing Scotland at last year’s Home Nations and World Cup competitions.
The defender said: “I’m really proud to wear the captain’s armband. We have a smashing bunch of players this year who are fit, keen and who work hard for each other.
Hockey: East Kilbride pair earn Scotland call for Euro Masters Championships
“Given the fact we come from all over the UK it’s hard to get pitch time together, but one of our strengths already is that we are playing as a team.
“Long may it continue.”
The games against the North of England serve as warm up matches for the Home Nations which take place in June.
In July the team travel to Rotterdam where they will take part in the European Championships.
Scotland had a great start on Saturday, going at North from the start. But the English side came back into the match before half time. In the second period it was Scotland who were under attack, and although they kept out a tide of short corners, an obstruction in the D led to a penalty flick which was converted.
In the last 10 minutes Scotland finished strongly, defender Carole Morris turning provider for Alana Willox to send home and finish with a 1-1 draw.
Sunday’s game was a much scrappier affair, North battering Scotland’s defence.
But a determined goal from Suzanne Laing put Scotland 1-0 in the second period and they held on to that lead to win.
Training continues for the squad over the next few months as they prepare for the Home Nations in London.
