Hockey: George Watson College set for title defence at Peffermill finals

Mary Erskine’s, the East of Scotland Cup winners, have been drawn alongside the High School of Glasgow, Robert Gordon’s College and Strathallan School in Pool A for this Thursday’s Scottish Schools’ Cup Finals at Peffermill in Edinburgh.

In Pool B, George Watson’s College, the defending champions, are alongside Gordonstoun School, St Columba’s School and Kelso High School.

Watson’s lost 1-0 to Mary Erskine’s in the East of Scotland final last month and will be out for revenge in an attempt to retain the National Trophy.

In the boys’ event – which is played as a knock-out up to the the final on Thursday at Peffermill – Glenalmond beat Fettes on penalties in one semi-final and the other between Loretto and Gordonstoun takes place today.

The Scottish girls’ under-16 team continued the build-up towards the first international of the season against Wales next month with a training match against the under-18s at Hutchesons’ Grammar playing fields at the weekend and coach Bill Robson was delighted with the standard of play.

The younger team lost 5-0, but the coach saw it as a valuable get together under competitive conditions.

“It was our first match and although it was tough playing the bigger, older girls it was very encouraging,” said Robson.

“We have a great squad this year and we are all looking forward to a busy programme over the next few months.”