Dutch masters hope to shine before capacity home crowd

SIX TIMES World Cup champions, Netherlands, are aiming to knock current title holders Argentina off their pedestal when they kick off their campaign against Japan in front of a full house at the 15,000-capacity Kyocera Stadium in The Hague this afternoon.

The Dutch masters will continue their quest in group A against Australia (world ranking 4), New Zealand (5), Korea (9) and Belgium (12) while the Argentinians, who go into the event as second seeds, being their defence against England (3), Germany (6), China (7), USA (10 and South Africa (11) in the primary stage of the competition.

Netherlands and Australia are the only countries with a track record of winning backto-back titles, however 2010 winners Argentina go into the competition determined to silence the home fans and add a third name to this elite list.

Hockey is big business in the Netherlands with a fan base bordering on football, hence over the 14-day tournament 250,000 ticket holders are expected to file through the venue and surrounding Hockey Park.

England fly the UK flag, and impressive results in the qualifying tournaments have earned them the right to be tagged as third seeds ahead of former champions Australia and Germany.

Nearer to home, there are two national competitions spanning the age-group spectrum.

Today the Scottish Over 35 inter-district championships will be hosted at Tweedbank.

Former Scotland and GB defender Janet Jack is the organiser of the fiveteam event which includes a composite squad of Midland and Central players.

East, West, South West and hosts South complete the round-robin line up.

Elsewhere at Peffermill the third and final round of the Scottish Under 16 League culminates at Peffermill with CALA Edinburgh taking on Kelburne while Watsonians vie with Inverleith for the right to contest the showcase final at 2pm.

Rabobank Hockey World Cup, Pool A (today) — New Zealand v Belgium, Australia v Korea, Netherlands v Japan.

Pool B (tomorrow) — England v USA, Germany v China, Argentina v South Africa. Today’s fixtures: Scottish Over 35 Interdistrict Championships, Tweedbank ( selected matches) — Central/ Midlands v East (10.40 am, Central/Midlands v South West (11.40am), Central Midlands v West (2.25pm), Central/Midlands v South (3.35pm). Tomorrow’s fixtures: Scottish U16 National League, Peffermill — 7th/ 8th, Kelso Ladies v Hillhead; 5th/ 6th, Clydesdale v Granite City Wanderers.

Semi-finals (12 noon) — CALA Edinburgh v Kelburne, Watsonians v Inverleith. Final — 2pm.