Hockey: European games return to Edinburgh

EDINBURGH will host international indoor hockey for the first time in several decades after being selected by the European Hockey Federation to host the annual EuroHockey Club Trophy from 17 to 19 February next year.

This will mean a home venue for Inverleith, who won the Scottish indoor championship for the first time in the club’s history when they saw off the challenge from Grove Menzieshill in a tight finish. But with the Taysiders relegated from the elite Club Cup last February in Lucerne, Inverleith are consigned to the lower Trophy competition for their European baptism.

Consequently, the Edinburgh side are favourites to win the pool section of the tournament against Lille (France), Slagelse (Denmark) and Racing Club de Bruxelles (Belgium).

To gain immediate promotion back to Europe’s elite top eight, Inverleith would first have to come in the top two in their pool and then take on the top sides in the other group in a subsequent promotion pool.

In the women’s competition, VWS Dundee Wanderers are already in Europe’s top eight and travel to Sumy, Ukraine, to play Berliner (Germany), Gintra Strekte Uni (Lithuania) and Club de Campo (Spain) in their pool competition.