Excitement at the top of both National League 1 tables

After an exciting weekend of hockey it’s a three-way tie at the top of men’s National League 1, while Western Wildcats are clear at the top of Women’s National League 1.

National League 1 Wildcats v Grange
Western Wildcats v Grange – photo by Duncan Gray

Men’s National League 1 Champions Bromac Kelburne moved back to the top of the first division on goal difference after beating Dundee Wanderers 6-1, but they share pole position with Grange and Western Wildcats who drew 3-3 at Auchenhowie. There was a brief hint of a shock on the cards when Fergus Sandison put Wanderers ahead in only two minutes, but the champions took control from there. A double from Johnny Christie along with singles by Jack McKenzie, Adam Bain, Chris Caldwell and Neil McIntyre completed the victory.

It was a ding-dong battle at the Wildcats` den, Andrew McConnell put the home side ahead following a cross from Owen Jenkins-Garcia. But back came Grange, Dominic Wild did have the ball in the net but it was disallowed for dangerous play. However, the equaliser was only slightly delayed, a cross from Cammie Fraser was deflected into the Wildcats` net by teenager Callum MacKenzie. Grange finished the half with most of the pressure and chances but the score remained level.

Grange went into a 2-1 lead with a low penalty corner strike by Dan Coultas after a foul on Fraser. The Edinburgh side then gave the ball away in the midfield, Rob Harwood moved into the circle only to be sandwiched out of his shot, the youngster dusted himself down and sunk his spot effort into the Grange net for the equaliser.

Grange went ahead for the second time in the contest, MacKenzie was the provider to an unmarked Luke Cranney who turned and shot low into the net. Grange might have sealed the victory but Frank Ryan`s shot cannoned off the bar. But the visitors were denied their victory through a piece of brilliance from teenager McConnell, he was involved in a passing move with Jenkins-Garcia and finished with a powerful lob over the keeper.

Clydesdale completed a hat-trick of victories with a comfortable 6-1 win over Inverleith at Peffermill. Ciaran Crawford was both saint and sinner, he notched a hat-trick, but then contrived to miss from the spot against an outfield keeper, the original custodian languishing in the sin bin after a stick tackle on Patrick Lonergan.

Clydesdale`s other scorers were a double from Chris McFadden and a single from Struan Walker, but the result lifts the Titwood side into the top four for the first time this season.

Edinburgh University also continued their good progress with a 5-1 win over Hillhead, the goals came from Gordon Amour, Davyn Keuter, George Adams, Ewan Mackie and Callum White.

National League 1 Wildcats v Grange
Western Wildcats v Grange – photo by Duncan Gray

In women`s National League 1 Western Wildcats extended their winning sequence to five matches with a tremendous  3-0 win over Grange to retain pole position. Alex Stuart, Heather Aitken and Emma McDairmid were on target for the Auchenhowie outfit. The win is another great result for the league’s form side who have made a great start to the season.

Grove Menzieshill are still in second place, two points behind Wildcats, after a solid 5-0 win at GHK. Scotland striker Sarah Jamieson, who has been on red-hot form since the season started, scored a hat-trick while the other goals came from Katie Stott and Nikki Skrastin.

Dundee Wanderers moved into fourth spot after thumping Kelburne 5-0, there were two goals each for former Scotland player Vikki Bunce and teenager Charlotte Watson – a great way to celebrate her selection for the GB Elite Development Programme. The Taysiders leapfrogged Milne Craig Western on goal difference after the latter were held to a 1-1 draw by Watsonians.

At Titwood Mairi Shaw opened for Watsonians but Millie Steiger replied for the home side, Western now fall out of the top four on goal difference from Wanderers while Watsonains remain in mid-table.

Edinburgh University returned to winning ways with a convincing 6-0 win over Hillhead.   Laura Swanson and Sophie Maunder both scored twice while the others came from Zara Malseed and Lara Tomkins.

 

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