Germans leave Scots consigned to second

HOCKEY: Scotland's Under-21 side had to settle for silver medals after losing 6-1 to Germany in the final of the four nations tournament in Berlin yesterday. The Scots more than held their own in the first half against the current European champions but went behind to a penalty corner strike on nine minutes.

It was a different story after the interval when Germany started to pile in the goals. There was a late consolation when Chris Grassick took a quick free hit to Ian Moodie, his initial shot was blocked by a defender and Nicky Parkes followed up with a volley through the goalkeeper's legs.

Graham Stuart, Scotland's manager, said: "There were a lot of positives considering this is our first tournament together. We've beaten both Poland and France, who are in the elite A Division, although it was disappointing to lose in the final to Germany."