EuroHockey Indoor Club Trophy, 17-19 February 2012

by John Preece

Edinburgh’s Inverleith Hockey Club make their debut on the International Indoor stage tomorrow in EuroHockey’s Indoor Club Trophy held over three days at Edinburgh Napier University’s [EN]GAGE Sports Arena at Sighthill. Their opposition for the weekend are all National Champions in their own countries, and have plenty of European experience, so this will be a baptism of fire for the North Edinburgh squad.

The tournament is a ’round-robin’ of matches and Inverleith have to contend with AD Lousada (Portugal) and Lille MHC (France) on the Friday. Slagesle HC (Denmark) and HC 1972 Rakovnik (Czech Republic) on Saturday, and finally HC Kolos-Sekvoia Vinnitsa (Ukraine) and Lille, again, on Sunday. The Polish champions, WKS Grunwald Poznan, were down to compete but had to withdraw due to a clashing Olympic Qualifying fixture in Delhi (Priorities, guys…).

In the best spirit of sportsmanship, Dundee’s Menzieshill club – relegated last year – are helping out with information and videos of all the competing teams. Although Inverleith have not played at this level before, several of their players have previous, and current, International experience with Scotland.

Inverleith’s fate rests solely in their own hands and, as favourites for promotion, must make a good start on the Friday (match schedule below) to give themselves the best possible chance.

Friday 17th February 2012
10.00   Lille MHC v HC 1972 Rakovnik
11.10   Racing Club Bruxelles v Inverleith
12.20   AD Lousada v HC Kolos-Sekvoia Vinnitsa
13.30   Slagelse HC v HC 1972 Rakovnik
14.40   Racing Club Bruxelles v Lille MHC
15.50   AD Lousada v Inverleith
17.00   Slagelse HC v HC Kolos-Sekvoia Vinnitsa

Saturday 18th February 2012
10.00   AD Lousada v Lille MHC
11.10   Racing Club Bruxelles v HC Kolos-Sekvoia Vinnitsa
12.20   Inverleith v Slagelse HC
13.30   AD Lousada v HC 1972 Rakovnik
14.40   Lille MHC v HC Kolos-Sekvoia Vinnitsa
15.50   Slagelse HC v Racing Club Bruxelles
17.00   Inverleith v HC 1972 Rakovnik

Sunday 19th February 2012
08.30   Slagelse HC v AD Lousada
09.40   Racing Club Bruxelles v HC 1972 Rakovnik
10.50   Inverleith v HC Kolos-Sekvoia Vinnitsa
12.00   Slagelse HC v Lille MHC
13.10   Racing Club Bruxelles v AD Lousada
14.20   HC 1972 Rakovnik V HC Kolos-Sekvoia Vinnitsa
15.30   Inverleith v Lille MHC