Tweedie strikes for Grange but Austrians just too good
The 17-year-old was one of four teenagers in the Scottish champion’s squad which lost 4-1 to SV Arminen in Barcelona.
Coach David Knipe must lift his squad to face Dutch cracks HC Orange-Root in their second match in the first round in Spain today. They won the EuroHockey League as Oranje-Zwart in 2015.
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Hide AdYesterday the Austrians led 4-0 until Tweedie struck after 40 minutes.
Martin Shepherdson, one of Grange’s officials with the squad, said the players did not produce the form they are capable of against the much-decorated Europeans who have won their national title more times than any other side.
He added: “We’re disappointed as we played well in our warm-up game on Thursday.
“Obviously, playing in this tournament is a real step-up for our guys and Arminen are a useful side. However, they scored early and we did not get back into the game as we should have done.”
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Hide AdGrange did not have luck on their side and they hit a post and another effort went inches wide.
Looking at today’s clash with the former EuroHockey champions, Shepherdson said: “It will be a really tough game as they are a really top side.
“The boys will prepare as we do for a normal game and everybody is OK to play.
“We will do the best that we can and being here is a great experience for the boys.
“We’re also taking a long-term view in developing this side and playing leading sides is part of that learning experience.”