Hockey: Grange hold Ukrainians in first Euro tie

GRANGE, the Scottish Cup holders, earned a 1-1 draw when they opened their EuroHockey Club Trophy campaign in Cardiff against tough Ukrainian side Olimpia Kolos Sekovia.

Experienced defender Robert Barr kept his cool to slot Grange's counter from the penalty spot five minutes from the break after the Ukrainian side had taken the lead after 15 minutes.

The Edinburgh team, who have struggled in domestic competition this season and are in sixth spot Division One, had chances to win the game in the second half despite being down to ten men for ten minutes after Scottish international striker Wei Adams was controversially carded.

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Colin Clarke, Grange's player/coach, said: "The main thing was not to lose the first game."

Grange were due to play Italian side HC Roma this afternoon and Clarke added: "We've had a chance to watch them play which will help.

"Olimpia were an unknown quantity for us and they are a strong, physical side who play a different style of hockey to what we are used to, but our young guys did well and we're happy to have earned a point, particularly as Wei was carded."