(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Scotland Women Fall to England in EuroHockey Championship Opener
In their opening match of the EuroHockey Championship in Mönchengladbach, Germany, Scotland’s women’s team faced a tough challenge against England, falling 3-0 despite a spirited effort.
It was a special day for Fiona Burnet, who marked her 100th combined cap. Scotland started brightly, creating attacking chances in the early stages, but England’s possession play soon paid off. Fiona Crackles broke the deadlock late in the first quarter, slotting the ball low past Jess Buchanan to make it 1-0.
England doubled their lead when Tess Howard made a driving run down the left and delivered a pinpoint pass for Lily Walker, who dived in to score at the far post. Scotland fought back, with Heather McEwan firing narrowly wide and Sarah Jamieson missing a golden opportunity in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Another chance was denied when Anna Toman cleared the ball off the line.
In the final quarter, Buchanan pulled off a series of outstanding saves to keep Scotland in the game. However, England sealed the win with a penalty corner, Lily Owsley’s sharp deflection finding the top right corner.
Scotland will look to bounce back in their second pool match against Spain tomorrow at 11:15 am.
