Edinburgh became the first Scottish men’s side to win promotion to the top tier of British university (BUCS) hockey in over 100 years on Wednesday.
Oxford had decided to travel north by bus on the day of the game, beginning before dawn, and Edinburgh took full advantage of any lethargy to win 4-1 in the play-off encounter.
Declan Bradley, Iain McFadden, captain Robbie Croll and Costas Stylianou paved the way for Scottish jubilation at the final whistle.
Edinburgh, under player-coach Hamish Imrie, had claimed the chance of promotion, at the second time of asking, after finishing top of the North League in Division Two of the BUCS competition.
Imrie told The Edinburgh News: “We’ve had over 40 games in BUCS and the Premiership this season, and the boys have given me everything they have.”
The win was even more satisfactory after Edinburgh were last weekend surprisingly beaten in the Scottish Cup semi-final to Hillhead.
Edinburgh’s promotion means they are set for several lengthy trips south for the BUCS top flight. That will include a visit to Exeter, the two universities’ enjoying a link with their infamous Fives’ events.
