Scotland women continue their build up to the EuroHockey Qualifiers in Glasgow this summer with three jousts against Olympic Games-bound France in Paris starting on Thursday.
Five of the squad are from Premiership champions Watsonians and another five from The University of Edinburgh which two players based abroad.
Chris Duncan, head coach, said that the French are an excellent side who will be peaking ahead of the Games and he warned: “They have multiple threats.”
Edinburgh-based Duncan added: “The players have worked seriously hard over the last few months and the individual and collective growth we have seen in training has been significant.
“Now, after a really pleasing series against Canada, we are looking forward to getting back into competitive action quickly against France.
“They are one month out from a home Olympics, so will be peaking and this is a brilliant challenge for us. The difference between a home series and away series is vast, and we had numerous new caps against Canada.”
“This is another new experience for so many players in our group and they must manage the challenges of playing abroad in a different climate.”
Duncan added: “Our target is to continue preparing for the European qualifiers in August and continue to develop and embed our playing style.”
The first clash is on 13 June at 18.00, then on Saturday, 15 June at 18.00 before the last meeting on Sunday, 16 June at 11am.
Scotland: Amber Murray, Ellie Wilson, Emily Dark, Katherine Holdgate, Sarah Jamieson (Watsonians), Bronwyn Shields, Millie Steiger (Clydesdale Western), Ellie Mackenzie (Loughborough University), Eve Pearson (Grossflottbeker THGC, Germany), Frances Lonergan (Western Wildcats), Heather McEwan (Royal Victory, Belgium), Jennifer Eadie (Wimbledon), Jessica Ross, Katie Swanson, Lunjika Nyirenda, Ruth Blaikie, Sophie Hinds (The University of Edinburgh), Katherine Birch, Maddie Boyes (Durham University), Rebecca Birch (Ben Rhydding, England)
PICTURE: Sarah Jamieson closes in on goal for Watsonians earlier this season. Picture by Nigel Duncan
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