Hockey: Scots remain on target for promotion

Scotland under 18 boys' dream of promotion in the European Nations Championships in Cernusco, Italy, is still alive after trouncing Ukraine 5-1 in the final pool match on Wednesday.

The Scots finished runners-up to Austria in the pool, but now enter the cut-throat part of the tournament with a crucial semi-final clash with Poland, the top side from the other group.

The prize for the winner is automatic promotion to the top flight in two years time and a place in Saturday's final against either Austria or Switzerland, for the loser the consolation of a bronze medal match.

Scotland coach Graham Dunlop has taken heart from his side's performance against Ukraine. "We picked it up in the second half and then played our best hockey of the tournament so far."

The Scots went behind after 20 minutes, but were 2-1 ahead by the interval with a double strike from Greaves Clydesdale striker Ben Peterson, who completed his hat-trick from a rebound after the goalkeeper had saved Ross McIntyre's initial shot. CALA Edinburgh's Corey Hastings used his pace to finish into the bottom corner for the fourth before McIntyre completed the scoring with a fierce reverse stick shot.