Double victory helps Scots avoid the drop

HOCKEY: With promotion and a place in next year's World Cup already off the agenda, Scotland proceeded to avoid the drop with victories over Portugal and Belarus yesterday to top the relegation pool in the European Indoor Nations Trophy in Poland.

A hat-trick by Menzieshill striker Chris Wilson was the catalyst in a 5-3 triumph over Portugal. After a nervous opening spell the Scots went in front with a straight flick by Inverleith's Stephen Dick at a penalty corner. Wilson struck the second before the Portuguese pulling one back, but Wilson quickly made it 3-1 at the interval when he converted a set-piece.

In the second half Josh Cairns converted after a penalty corner and although the Portuguese brought the score back to 4-3 with two minutes left, Wilson scored from another set piece for his hat-trick.

Playing with aggression the Scots forged an early lead against Belarus, Ross McPherson scoring after 30 seconds. Stephen Dick,

Chris Wilson and a Josh Cairns double earned a 5-1 victory.