Cougars put a spring in their step with Welsh win

SCOTLAND Senior Women, masquerading as the Cougars for the purposes of these final games in the lead up to the World Cup Qualifiers in Chile later this month, comfortably defeated Wales 4-2 in their first game at Slough Hockey Club on Saturday.

The Scots led 2-1 at half-time through goals from Louise Baxter, following a neat interchange with Sam Judge, and Emily Maguire, from a deflected short corner, after falling behind to a Welsh short-corner strike. After the interval further pressure was rewarded with a Judge goal following good lead up work by debutante Morag McLellan and Ali Bell. A scrappy goal was conceded with around ten minutes left following a melee in the circle to reduce the arrears before Maguire netted her second from a short corner almost immediately to secure a well deserved opening victory.

In their second game of the weekend, at Bisham Abbey, the women gave a very good account of themselves against a full strength England team despite going down 2-0, Georgie Twigg and Katie Long scoring.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Caledonian Cougars Men opened their 2010 Great Britain Super League campaign with a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Pennine Pumas at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

Yesterday saw the Highland Jaguars claim a 3-3 draw against a strong Saxon Tigers side.