Hockey trio secure Scotland Euro Masters call-ups

Three Lanarkshire hockey players have been chosen to represent Scotland in the World Masters Hockey European Championships this summer.

Strathaven duo Sally Hall and Sheona Hutchison will run out for Scotland in the 45s age group in the GB and Ireland 4 Nations Masters in Swansea in June, before travelling to Nottingham for the European Championships.

And Uddingston woman Jacqui McDove will represent her country in the women’s 60s squad, with a home 4 Nations in Glasgow, and a Euro adventure in Valencia, Spain, between July 16-23.

Retired projects manager Jacqui started playing Masters in 2016 for the W55s and has played European and World Cups in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany. Last year was her first in W60s, where she was part of the silver-medal winning side in South Africa.

Sally and Sheona, both 47, have played Masters hockey for a number of years. Sheona plays for East Kilbride Ladies Hockey Club, whilst Sally represents Glasgow High Kelvinside.

Sally said: “The last major tournament Sheona and I were involved in was the European Championships in 2019. With the pandemic playing havoc with scheduled competitions, it’s good to be back and preparing for a high-profile event.”

All three were involved in warm-up matches against North West England and Yorkshire and North East England (YNE) select teams recently.

In Edinburgh the W45s were unbeaten, winning three and drawing one. Sheona recorded her first goal in Scotland shirt against YNE, adding another from a fine solo effort the next day as the hosts beat North West 3-1.

She said: “It was great to get off the mark with some goals.

“The team is really beginning to gel, and we’re looking forward to continuing our good form.”

Meanwhile, in Durham, Jacqui’s side went