After what was a memorable weekend of hockey performances on the European stage the Minister for Sport, the Hon Leslie Bruzon has congratulated the results and performances  of the three local hockey clubs in European competition.

“I am a firm advocate that our sports associations that are full members of their International governing bodies have to be active participants in their respective organisations and attend events and tournaments. This past weekend Europa HC, Eagles HC and Grammarians HC did not only fulfil this commitment but excelled whilst at it. Europa HC not only maintained their status and that of Gibraltar’s women’s hockey within Challenge I but became the first women’s team to win a match at this level with their 3-1 victory on Sunday against HC Luxembourg. They then followed this with a 5 nil win over Copenhagen HC on Bank Holiday Monday and cemented their place in the division. A fantastic achievement!

“History was also made in the men’s section were both local teams namely Eagles HC and Grammarians HC met in the promotion play off for the first time in history. In what I am reliably informed was an epic battle played in a very sporting but intense atmosphere Eagles HC emerged eventual winners by the tightest of margins, 4-3. This means that as a result of their 5th consecutive gold medal in European competitions Eagles HC have secured Gibraltar’s promotion to Challenge I, ensuring that Gibraltar will now have men’s representatives at both Challenge I and II. Commiserations to Grammarians who nonetheless did themselves proud in a match that could have gone either way for the newly crowned local champions.

“Well done to all involved.”