Hockey: Joy for men's under-21s, but ladies are relegated

Scotland Under-21 men's side secured one of two Eurohockey Junior Nations promotion spots available in Vienna last night with a 7-1 destruction of the Czech Republic, setting up an all British final with Wales who edged out the host nation Austria in the other semi-final, but the national women's under-21 team were relegated after a cruel 1-0 defeat to Lithuania in Lille.

The men's result was achieved mainly thanks to a blistering first half performance which saw them carve out a five goal lead over a demoralised Czech side.

The Czech Republic defence did manage to hold out until the 13th minute when Josh Cairns gave his side the all important first goal with a low drag flick from a penalty corner. Shortly afterwards, John Harris doubled the lead.

A prolific five-minute spell before the interval where a further three goals left the Czech Republic in total disarray. First of all a cross from Callum Duke was brilliantly deflected low past the keeper by his namesake Milne and then Cairns struck with a carbon copy of his earlier goal. Harris then effectively finished the game as a contest with a reverse stick volley. Scotland can now look forward with confidence to the final today having defeated Wales 4-1 in the opening pool match.

In the women's match, Scotland conceded an unfortunate own goal in the third minute, and passed up a number of good chances. The goal they more than deserved should have come from Amy Brodie just before half time. She collected the ball well outside the D, drove brilliantly towards goal, fending off a succession of crude tackles before steadying herself to shoot. At that point she was felled by a hack to the back of the knee, which propelled her into the keeper. Minimum short corner, probable penalty flick. But not in the eyes of the umpire. The defeat means relegation for Scotland, who will play their final group game against France.

Scotland women's U21s: Isobel Rosie (Bristol Firebrands), Morag McLellan (Western), Kerry Hall (Grove), Nicola Lowery (Western), Louise Fleming (Giffnock), Daniele Johnston (Grove), Heather Stafford (Bradford Wakefield), Sophie McIntyre CAPT (Grove) Alison Howie (Western), Amy Brodie (CALA) and Rebecca Condie (Bimingham Uni). Subs used: Fiona Bruce (Western), Iona Stephen (Gffnock), Jilly Bell (Western) and Rachel Malcolm (Loughborough).

Scotland men's U21s: Tommy Alexander (Surbiton), Josh Cairns (Kelburne), Callum Grant (Western Wildcats), Michael Bremner (Kelburne), David Forsyth (Kelburne), Gordon McIntyre (Kelburne), Nicholas Parkes (Cambridge Uni), Alan Forsyth (Kelburne), John Harris (Inverleith), Kenneth Bain (Kelburne) , Wei Adams (Grange). Subs: Ross McIntyre (Greenock), Gareth Davies(Menzieshill), Ian Moodie (Western Wildcats), Callum Milne (Inverleith) and Callum Duke (Edinburgh Uni).