Watsonians face tough test in Turkey

Watsonians are now re-focusing after their success in winning the Scottish indoor hockey title. They are due in Turkey later this month for the EuroHockey Indoor Club Cup where they face a tough, six-game schedule.

Two games are scheduled for each of the first two days with cross-over ties on the next and play-off fixtures on the final day.

The dates are February 22 to 25 and their destination is Alanya, claimed to be one of the best tourist destinations on the Turkish Riviera. 

The Mediterranean Sea is on one side and the Taurus Mountains on the other and the guide book says they offers stunning scenery and beautiful weather throughout the year.

Sadly, with the schedule, the women won’t have much time to go sightseeing in the city which has a history going back as far as the 4th-century and it witnessed Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine cultures.

They are also unlikely to have time to sunbathe on two large attractive beaches dotted with hotels, resorts, and restaurants. 

Day one sees them play Complutense from Spain and Sumchanka (Ukraine). Day two they are on court at 9.30am against Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) and at 16.45 against Gaziantep from Turkey.

The cross-overs are on February 24 and the play-offs on the final day.

Sunday’s triumph in Dundee in a dramatic 2-1 shootout win against Clydesdale Western – the sides were locked at 2-2 after the final whistle – has sharpened the Edinburgh side’s skills ahead of the trip.

And it was Scottish international, Sarah Jamieson, who kept her cool to slot the game-winner to take the silverware back to the Capital.

PICTURE: Medals around their necks as Watsonians celebrate their Scottish indoor championship win at Dundee. Contributed