Big games as the outdoor season nears winter break

Leaders in Men’s National League 1 Grange will hope to march on against Watsonians on the last full weekend of fixtures before the break for the winter and the Indoor National League. Watsonians may consider themselves unlucky to be in eighth position, considering their performance against Hillhead last week, although that did result in a 1-0 defeat.

But the league table seldom lies, and three more points will assure Grange of a clear lead. Grange do have the best record in goal difference as well as in points and are the only undefeated team in the division.

Grove Menzieshill have recovered from their loss to Grange a few weeks ago and could consolidate themselves in second place with a home win over Kelburne. Grove Menzieshill’s nearest rivals, Western Wildcats and Hillhead, meet at Auchenhowie and a point apiece for these two would suit Grove Menzieshill well.

Kelburne is seeking to mould their relatively new batch of players to regain their former dominant position, but difficult games keep coming to slow their advance. Grove Menzieshill simply must take advantage of this as they did, although only narrowly, in the Scottish Cup a couple of weeks ago.

The clash of Clydesdale and Edinburgh University is significant in terms of avoidance of the relegation playoffs. Edinburgh are a point better off but Clydesdale have a game in hand. Uddingston, on the same points as Clydesdale, will expect to add three more points in Aberdeen, unless Gordonians can pick up their first point of the season.

13 October 2018 at Auchenhowie. Scottish Hockey Division 1 match – Western Wildcats v Dundee Wanderers – photo by Duncan Gray

The situation at the top of the women’s National League 1 is similar to the men’s. Edinburgh University lead the way with little between the three teams that sit below them. The match of the day will be the clash of the top two, Edinburgh University and Clydesdale Western, the latter being able to draw level on points with a victory.

Edinburgh University have won all eight matches after an opening draw with Dundee Wanderers, but Clydesdale have hit form of late with four consecutive victories. The fact that this is their first clash of the season will add significantly to the tension.

Dundee Wanderers may feel they need to make amends for dropping points with draws in their last two games and they are fortunate to be facing ninth placed Glasgow University.

Wanderers are fourth in the table but are by no means secure in that position with Watsonians only four points behind with a game in hand.

Western Wildcats, a point ahead of Dundee Wanderers, will hope to confirm that position against Hillhead who, along with GHK and Glasgow University, will fight to avoid being in a relegation playoff come the end of the season.

Grove Menzieshill are showing real signs of improvement from the start of the season. A top four finish may still be beyond them but they can climb closer to that if they can pick up the points at home to GHK. The visitors are only one place behind Grove Menzieshill but four points worse off, which is a deficit the team from Glasgow will hope to claw back.

The two league leaders are also in action on Sunday when both will target victories over Watsonians and Glasgow University, who may have other ideas.

The Scottish Hockey Awards GALA 2018 will be held on 1 December. Find out more HERE

 

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