After their success in the SCA Championships in October, the senior men have announced their squad for the next part of their journey. The group travel to Luxembourg on the 2nd of January for 3 days of competition against Luxembourg, Iceland and England.
Our senior men last won the tournament in 2012 and travel in confident mood, however, they are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Scotland’s only loss in the SCA was to Iceland and they will be looking to improve on the weak blocking that led to that defeat. A recent victory over England shows the quality in the Scotland camp but greater consistency will be required this time around in order to repeat the result. Scotland have not played Luxembourg for a number of years but are looking forward to the match. Luxembourg will be without World Club Champion Kamil Rychlicki but can still boast a strong and experienced side.
Scotland will be led by Niall Collin (City of Edinburgh VC) who will be excited to pull on the Scotland shirt once again after being named best opposite in the SCA Championships. No change in the setting department with Fraser Brown (City of Edinburgh VC) and Clark Hadden (Volleyball Aberdeen) retaining their place in the squad. Edward Oldbury (City of Edinburgh VC), voted best middle blocker in October, and Darren Martin (City of Glasgow Ragazzi) are included and will no doubt be looking to build on impressive performances in the Faroe’s. They are joined by fellow middle blocker Peter Hockey (Jets VC) who will be pleased to be back in the squad after narrowly missing out in October. Jamie McHardy (University of Edinburgh) is welcomed back to the squad after a lengthy absence whilst studying in New Mexico. Jonny Black (City of Edinburgh VC) and Cameron Hook (Team Durham) also keep their places after performing well in the Faroes. The final wing spiker role is filled by Jack Anderson (South Ayrshire VC) who, although already capped, will make his first appearance outside Scotland for the senior men’s programme. Libero Jack McKelvey (Northumbria University) is back in the squad after earning his first cap in the victory over England in June. Last but not least is libero Michael Lee (City of Edinburgh VC) who will no doubt be excited at the prospect of earning his first cap.
The squad contains a mix of youth and experience but they will be determined to demonstrate the attitude and work ethic that has made 2019 a very enjoyable and successful year.
Match schedule (Live stream will be shared on social media if permitted):
3rd January – Luxembourg v Scotland 7pm
4th January – Scotland v Iceland 2pm
5th January – Scotland v England 9am
For further information: https://www.novotelcup.lu/men
The Squad in full:
Niall Collin © – City of Edinburgh VC
Fraser Brown – City of Edinburgh VC
Clark Hadden – Volleyball Aberdeen
Darren Martin – City of Glasgow Ragazzi
Edward Oldbury – City of Edinburgh VC
Peter Hockey – Jets VC
Jonny Black – City of Edinburgh VC
Jamie McHardy – University of Edinburgh
Cameron Hook – Team Durham
Jack Anderson – South Ayrshire VC
Michael Lee – City of Edinburgh VC
Jack McKelvey – Team Northumbria
“Don’t limit your challenges; challenge your limits. Each day we must strive for constant and never ending improvement.” — Tony Robbins.
