Hockey: Italy pose threat to Scotland

WALES and Scotland today open their campaign for next year's European Cup in Dublin in a six-nation round-robin qualifying tournament in Gibraltar, from which two teams go through, writes Bill Colwill.

Scotland face a strong Italian side, and Wales play Denmark.

Kingston Grammar School's Under-18s and St George's College, Weybridge Under-16s defend their National Youth titles at Birmingham University and Cannock HC tomorrow and on Monday, with both finals at Cannock on Monday.

Hall Cross, Doncaster, could provide a challenge to Kingston while at Under-16 level Homerton House School, London, will be a threat.

Lancashire, the defending champions, open the final stages of this year's Women's County Competition at Prescot HC against Herefordshire, appearing in their first finals.