Morven Begg, our Ladies 1s goalkeeper, has now played her remaining matches against Germany and England in Glasgow. Scotland’s two keepers have played alternate quarters of each match so they have kept goal for exactly half of the tournament each. Their second match was against Germany who got off to a fast start going 3-0 up in the first quarter despite saves by Maddie Shepherd. Scottish Hockey's website says “ A rotation of keeper for the second quarter saw Morven Begg called into action with a superb double save to prevent a fourth for Germany”. Scotland mounted some counter attacks and scored from a corner rebound to make it 1-3 at half-time. When Morven returned for the 4th quarter the score was 1-6 but Scotland scored a second goal on the break to make it 2-6 before another mention for Morven: “The score went to 7-2 for Germany despite a simply outstanding reaction save by Begg diving to her right to stop a close range shot that had already gone past her. The rebound fell for Zetler to finish the scoring for Germany. “

Against England, the Scotland girls took the lead after a lovely passing move but an equaliser made it 1-1 after the end of the first quarter. Morven took over in goal for the second quarter and SH reported “Morven Begg produced a sensational diving save to prevent Biba Mills score.” The half-time score was 3-2 to England who then took control of the match so were leading 5-2 when Morven returned to the fray. A deflection and one more goal resulted in a final score of 7-2 to England. Morven’s final match was between Scotland and England for 3rd place in the tournament. Heroics in defence prevented England scoring until well into the second quarter with England 2-0 up at half time, then a penalty flick and one more goal in the 3rd quarter ended the scoring at 4-0. Despite great determination and team spirit Scotland couldn’t grab a consolation goal.

The Final between Belgium and Germany was a 1-1 draw so it went to running penalties which were even after the first five and still even after two more sudden death penalties each. Belgium then scored again before Germany’s reply was saved so Belgium won and the final placings were : 1 Belgium 2 Germany 3 England 4 Scotland. For Calum...read on

Calum Bradford’s Scotland Aspiring U-18 squad have played their remaining two matches in the Spanish sun since our last article. They had a respectable 1-3 defeat to England with Scotland's goal by Sam Bryson from the spot. England scored their second goal while Calum was off injured with a dislocated shoulder but Wendy says our physio worked his magic and Calum was able to go back on. Their final game was against Ireland again because India had pulled out of the competition. The Irish lads won that 3-0 but it was a much improved performance by Scotland than their first match with Ireland on the first day of the tournament. The tournament was won by The Netherlands. Wendy says "The coaching team of Luke Stone, Steven Percy, and Tim Boniface did really well and were very pleased with the boys. All Scotland's games were at 6pm but even then it was still very hot. Nicol and I, and Calum's sister Zoe picked up Calum in Malaga on Wednesday to have some days here together before we fly home on Saturday."

Gordonians Hockey Club is extremely proud of both Morven and Calum for their performances in these tournaments, and for representing our club at international level. Well done both of you !

Photo: Morven Begg enjoying the Summer 4 Nations in Glasgow
Video: Calum's goal v Ireland can now be viewed in our previous article