Men’s hockey – McKenzie strikes but Brest hit back

EuroHockey Club Trophy (men): Pool A: Grange 1, SC Stroitel Brest (Belarus) 2; KS AZS AWF Poznan (Poland) 2, HC Minsk (Belarus) 3. Pool B: HC Rotweiss Wettingen (Switzerland) 0, HC OKS-SHVSM Vinnitsa (Ukraine) 2; HC Bra (Italy) 0, WAC (Austria) 7 (all in Vienna, Austria).

Domestic double-winners Grange must pick themselves up after a disappointing start to their campaign in the EuroHockey Club Trophy in Vienna, Austria.

The Edinburgh side, who recently won the Division One title and the Scottish Cup, were edged 2-1 in their opening game by SC Stroitel Brest.

Overnight the Scots sit in bottom spot in four-strong Pool A while HC Minsk from Belarus top the table on goal difference from SC Stroitel Brest from Belarus who beat Grange.

Coach David Knipe’s men had the best possible start when Calum McKenzie netted a field goal after 35 minutes, but the Belarus side hit back with two unanswered goals in 13 minutes.

The equaliser arrived after 44 minutes from Yauheni Stsepanets from open play and the game-winner came after 57 minutes when Mikhail Paulovich scored from a penalty corner.

The Edinburgh combine face third-placed Polish outfit KS AZS AWF Poznan on Saturday in a key clash. The Polish side lost 3-2 to HC Minsk in their opening game.