Passmore demands winning start as Scots offer stern test

THE Irish men’s international hockey season has a tough opening weekend with three tests against Scotland at Instonians’ newly laid water-based pitch in Belfast.

Coach Dave Passmore, who wants a successful start to his preparations for next year’s European Championships in Manchester, has named a 28-man squad which is backboned by the experienced trio of Paddy Brown, Stephen Butler and Mark Irwin – each of whom has passed the 100-cap mark.

Younger talents like Tim Lewis, Alan Sothern, Adam Pritchard, Johnny Quigley, John Jackson and Mitch Darling are also included though none will feature until Sunday’s final Test.