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Scotland

The Scotland Junior Women travel to Germany to play three matches against their counterparts plus an additional match against top German Club Russelsheimer RK. These fixtures will provide the squad with final match play experience before they travel to Chile, for the Junior World Cup, in September.

The two teams faced each other on home ground earlier this year, when the Scottish Management team were still trying various combinations in the selection process for the final World Cup squad. National U21 Women's Coach Keith Joss says "it will be interesting to see how the squad have progressed since the matches in May when Germany won the series 4-0. Our squad has significantly changed since then and I am confident that there will be a marked improvement in Scotland's results."

Manager Alan Bryce states that this is the first opportunity to integrate the three players who have been involved in the Senior Women's programme, back into the team. Holly Cram, Catriona Forrest (both Glasgow En-Croute Western) and Aimee Clark (Hightown) return from the European Nations Championship in Dublin just in time to re-join the U21 squad for their German test matches. "They will bring considerable experience of international competition with them, and we are looking forward to seeing the team for Chile work together."

The matches also give further time with the four newcomers to the Junior squad, who were previously involved with the U18 programme. Aisling Coyle (Kelburne), Nikki Kidd (Bonagrass Grove), Kim MacGregor (Grange), and keeper Claire Ritchie (Dundee Wanderers) bring with them valuable international experience following their gold medal performance in the European Youth Trophy in Lithuania.

Despite recovering from a detached shoulder clavicle injury, received during the second match against England recently, Susan Hamilton (Edinburgh), is heading to Germany with the team, as the Management team feel it is important for her to continue training and travelling with the squad, in preparation for Chile.

Joss sees these test matches as a final opportunity to ensure the squad is fully prepared for the World Cup. Whilst Scotland will not face Germany in their pool games, there is potential for the teams meeting in the second stage. "We are looking forward to playing one of the top nations in Europe, who are ranked second going into the World Cup. While we are obviously hoping for a series of good results, these matches are more about evaluating the way we play, particularly against top flight opposition." Unfortunately, due to family and work commitments, Coach Keith Joss will be unable to travel with the team to Germany.

Scotland v Germany, 24-28 August 2005

Bonagrass Grove
Alison Bell, 5 September 1984, 23 Junior Caps, 2 Senior Caps
Leigh Fawcett, 10 January 1986, 16 Junior Caps
Nikki Kidd, 14 August 1987

Dundee Wanderers
Claire Ritchie, 18 Feb 1987

Edinburgh Hockey Club
Susan Hamilton, 1 April 1986, 4 Junior Caps
Lee Pendreigh, 23 April 1986, 19 Junior Caps

Edinburgh University
Katie Mackay, 28 September 1985, 4 Junior Caps

Glasgow En-Croute Western
Holly Cram, 30/04/1984, 26 Junior Caps, 9 Senior Caps
Catriona Forrest, 27/02/1984, 21 Junior Caps, 9 Senior Caps
Kirsty Nolan, 9 December 1986, 17 Junior Caps
Clare Scott, 7 May 1985, 5 Junior Caps
Nicole Scott, 11 July 1984, 4 Junior Caps

Grange Edinburgh Ladies
Karen MacGregor, 19 July 1985
Kim MacGregor, 13 June 1987
Catherine Rae, 10/02/1985, 18 Junior Caps

Hightown
Aimee Clark, 02/07/1985, 17 Junior Caps, 4 Senior Caps

Kelburne
Ailsing Coyle, 5 December 1987, 2 Junior Caps
Laura Wrightson, 11 July 1984, 26 Junior Caps

Management Team
Team Leader: Dave Stott
Manager: Alan Bryce
Coach: Susan Gilmour
Assistant Coach: Alan Lindsay
Physiotherapist: Morag Glover

SCHEDULE (all matches will be played at Bad Kreuznach, near Frankfurt)
Thursday 25 August, 2030: Scotland v Germany
Friday 26 August, 2030: Scotland v Russelsheim
Saturday 27 August, 1700: Scotland v Germany
Sunday 28 August, 1100: Scotland v Germany

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