Hockey: Scots lose place in EuroLeague

Scotland has been relegated from the elite EuroLeague for the first time since its inception four years ago after falling from tenth to 14th equal following poor performances in this year's competition.

Scottish champions Glynhill Kelburne failed to emerge from the league stages of the EuroLeague this year after losing 8-1 to English side East Grinstead and drawing 2-2 with Polo de Barcelona, from Spain. In Rome, Western Wildcats were relegated from the lower-ranked Trophy tournament.

And there appears to be no immediate prospect of reversing the downward spiral, according to Kelburne manager Harry Coles. "I think this sad state of affairs comes from a deep-rooted source," he said. "The standard of the game in Scotland has fallen considerably over the last few years and it is only going to get worse if those in charge of coaching our national team are openly encouraging players to move to other countries to play their club hockey.

"It would appear that Scottish Hockey has a very limited interest in the EuroLeague. The total focus is on how the national teams perform, but it puzzles me how encouraging players to leave the Scottish game can benefit our overall standing in European and world hockey."

This is an allegation strenuously denied by the national hierarchy. "Scottish Hockey and the national coaches certainly don't actively encourage players to leave Scotland, but if a player expresses the wish to move to another country we will advise and support that player in the best way we can. If a player feels that it is in his best interests to move to improve their game or to increase their chances of international selection, we can't force them to continue playing hockey in Scotland," said Callum McLeod, SHU performance manager.

Meanwhile, Great Britain's women clinched a 2-0 win in their three-Test series against world number four China with a 1-0 victory at Bisham Abbey.

Two Scots were involved, Laura Bartlett, who started at centre-half, while Dundee Wanderers' Vikki Bunce came on as substitute.