A HAT TRICK by Jamie McBride earned Pembroke Wanderers a 3-1 victory over SKA Samara of Russia on the opening day of the European Club Hockey Championship (B division) in Prague yesterday.

Pembroke's open style of play and strong running off the ball surprised the Russians, who were also caught out by the pace and skilful stickwork of McBride, who made his Ireland debut in the four nations tournament in Barcelona last weekend.

Overall, it was an encouraging start for the Dublin club, who led 1-0 at half time. In the other match in the group, the home side, Slavia, beat Grange of Scotland, 2-0. While Pembroke will not under rate the Scots today, the key game may well be against Slavia tomorrow. Teddington are odd on favourites to top the other pool.