No change at the top of the Premierships at the end of the first phase

There were a couple of things to resolve in the composition of the top six in the Premierships before the start of the second phase of the competition, but there was no variation in the top three positions after today`s games.

In the women`s game of the day Watsonians preserved their three goal lead at the top of the Premiership with a convincing 5-1 win over third placed Edinburgh University.    The game was poised at 1-1 after Ailsa Small put the champions into the lead only for Emily Morris to level at a penalty corner when her deflection went in off a defender`s foot.  But three goals in a five minute spell killed off the students – Fiona Burnet from open play, Emily Dark at a penalty corner and then Sarah Jamieson for a comfortable 4-1 lead.  There was only one goal in the second half, scored by Fiona Burnet to complete the victory.

Meanwhile Clydesdale Western went to Uddingston and came away with a 5-1 score line.   The individual scorers were Heather Howie, Millie Steiger, Anna Hoolaghan, Emma McGregor and Sophie Hinds.   Clydesdale hold on to second spot but Uddy will play in the lower echelon after the winter break.

It`s now looking a bit of a two horse race at the top with Edinburgh falling seven points behind Clydesdale and three more adrift of Watsonians.

St Andrews University retain fourth spot after a 5-1 win at Inverleith – 5-1 seems a favourite score this weekend! Hannah Coull scored twice and the others came from Maggie Carter, Reese Wearron and Amy Edgar with Robyn Henderson replying for the Edinburgh side.   The score might have been more substantial had it not been for Inverleith keeper Vicky Hanson who was in stubborn mood,

But perhaps the most important game of the day brought Grange and Wildcats together in Edinburgh with a top six place at stake.   Advantage Wildcats after a 2-2 draw with still leaves them three points adrift, but the Cats have a game in hand against Glasgow University and a superior goal difference – so the outcome is in the Cats own hands.   It was ding-dong – Molly Davis put Grange in front only for a solo effort and strike from the top of the circle by Lexi Macmillan to level.  Izzy Alexander restored Grange`s advantage then a spot conversion by Rachel Osborne equalised – and that is how it finished – advantage the Cats – perhaps.

GHK`s recent good form continues with a another 5-1 win, this time over Hillhead and the retention of fifth spot.  There were two goals each for Lucy Williamson and Hanna McKie while Jo Boyle got the other, Wendy MacIntyre replied for Hillhead.

Finally, Glasgow University move off the second bottom rung with a 1-0 at Aberdeen.

Not a lot of change at the top of the men`s Premiership either as the top sides finished the first session before the winter break with three points – so no change in the batting order.

Edinburgh University are still there on top by three points after a 5-2 win over Grange.  But it was not all plain sailing for the students, it was 2-2 at half-time. Josh Love and Keir Robb put Edinburgh two up but back came Grange with strikes from Jacob Tweedie and Livio Belotti with a shot from the top of the circle.  However, three goals inside ten minutes in the third quarter killed off the game, Jamie Golden scored twice from penalty corners followed by Ollie Wilson from open play. On the plus side for Grange, their place in the top six is now secured.

Watsonians kept their second place in tact but they only saw off Hillhead 2-1, but the result confirms the Glasgow side`s place in the bottom six for the second half of the season.  Gabe Tenner and Nathan Liggett were on target for Watsonians while a scrappy goal from Matt Carder who eventually forced the ball into the goal got Hillhead`s goal.

Western Wildcats remain third, but with a game or so in hand, after a 3-1 win at ESM Lions in the jungle encounter.  Rob Harwood put the Wildcats in front in only four minutes with a penalty corner rebound, but it was level at the interval when Cameron Ede scored from a set piece.  However, in the second half Cammie Moran put the Cats 2-1 up and in the final action of the game Harwood secured the three points with a breakaway goal.

As a result the Lions move back to fifth while Uddingston reclaim fourth spot with a 5-2 win over bottom side St Andrews University.  Finn Halliday got two and there were singles for Ben Young, Jedd Campbell and Fergus Fitzgerald, meanwhile Thomas Steel and Matt Garrod replied for the students.

In the lower echelons Grove Menzieshill was the king of Dundee with a 2-1 win over rivals Wanderers, and they now move up to ninth. After a goalless first half, Oscar Brown gave Wanderers the lead, and that is how it stood until the final ten minutes when Findlay Duncan scored twice from penalty corners and the three points.

Clydesdale seem to be galloping to safety with a 7-1 home win over Inverleith, and they now move up to ninth.   There were two goals each for Andrew McGrane and Harry Leggett while Charlie Feeney, Ian King and Ben Moulson got the others.   Kyle Taylor got Inverleith`s only strike and they move back to second bottom on goal difference.

 

 

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