Field hockey – Grange star Fraser makes Games squad

Cammy Fraser of Grange is the only current Edinburgh player to be included in Scotland’s Commonealth Games squad.

Former Dundee United, St Mirren and Motherwell youth footballer Rob Harwood, who made his debut for Scotland earlier this month in a Five Nations field hockey tournament in Spain, also makes the trip to Australia.

The Milngavie-based psychology student impressed in Spain with a sensational goal the Western Wildcats star was rewarded with a place in Scotland’s Commonwealth Games squad.

The shell-shocked player – nicknamed The Milkman- admitted: “I set myself the goal of reaching the Games back in 2015 and, for a while, I didn’t think it was going to be possible.”

The squad also features Edinburgh-born captain Chris Grassick (Surbiton), a former Inverleith player, and two ex-Kelburne stars, Lee Morton, now with English side Reading, and Grassick’s Great Britain squad member, razor-sharp Surbiton striker Alan Forsyth.

Alan’s older brother, David, who plays in Holland, is also included but only four of the players, Gavin Byers (Grove Menzieshill), Cameron Fraser (Grange), Harwood and Callum Duke (Hillhead), play domestic hockey in Scotland.

Nine play in England, one in Germany, three in Holland and one in France.

Coach Derek Forsyth, the father of Alan and David, believes Scotland has a blend of youth and experience in his squad for the Commonwealth Games in Australia in March.
Scotland play Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa in Pool A with India, England, Malaysia, Pakistan and Wales in Pool B.

Forsyth said his squad have worked exceptionally hard throughout the selection process.

He added: “We have a great blend of youth and experience in our team.”
Test matches against England will help the Blue Sticks prepare as these will be the last matches we play before the Gold Coast.”

Scotland: Tommy Alexander, Lee Morton and Duncan Riddell (Reading), Russell Anderson (Cannock), Kenny Bain (Hurley), Michael Bremner (UHC Hamburg), Gavin Byers (Grove Menzieshill), Callum Duke (Hillhead), David Forrester (Club Montrouge), Alan Forsyth, Chris Grassick, Nick Parkes and Willie Marshall (all Surbiton), David Forsyth and Jamie Wong (both Qui Vive), Cameron Fraser (Grange), Rob Harwood (Western Wildcats), Gordon McIntyre (Wimbledon). Non-travelling reserves:
Murray Collins (Loughborough University), Cameron Golden (Grove Menzieshill).