Hockey: Relegation for Scots after heavy defeat

SCOTLAND’S under-21 side lost 5-0 to England in the relegation pool match at the European Junior Nations Championships in Den Bosch.

They finished in seventh position and were relegated to the second division in two years time. The pressure was on the Scots after Spain beat Wales 6-2 in an earlier game to secure their safety, meaning the Scots needed to beat England.

Meanwhile in Ulster, Inverleith struggled to defend their Cookstown Trophy. In their opening fixture the Edinburgh side went down to English side Wimbledon 4-1, then lost 2-1 to Irish side Railway Union with Ross Simpson on target for the Scots. The Capital side rallied to gain a well-earned 2-2 draw with top Irish side Annadale, with Lewis Gibson and Phil Hall scoring early in the second half. The Scots had chances to win the contest but Derek Salmond put an opportunity just wide of the target.