Edinburgh University on the verge of the men’s Premiership title as others falter

As we approach this weekend`s penultimate series of Premiership fixtures Edinburgh University are on the verge of their first men’s title after both Watsonians and Western Wildcats are held to a draw.  As it stands the students have a six point lead over Wildcats – but they have a game in hand and entertain Edinburgh at Auchenhowie on Saturday. So the outcome is still live.

Grange came to life in the opening fixture on Tuesday evening with a 2-1 win over Watsonians and in doing so put a dent in their title aspirations. The result leaves Watsonians still four points adrift of Edinburgh University and they now only have two games left.

Grange opened in 16 minutes when Gordon Amour pounced on a penalty corner rebound and fired the ball home.  Watsonians hopes were lifted in 37 minutes with an equaliser from Nathan Liggett but Grange were not to be denied their first victory in quite a while with an open play strike by Cam McFadden.   The title contenders pressed hard for another equaliser but Grange held out for the crucial three points.

And so on to Wednesday evening`s action involving Premiership leaders Edinburgh University. And the students didn`t falter. They tamed ESM Lions 3-1 at Peffermill courtesy of “three golden flicks for them as described by the opposition.   A reference to Jamie Golden who converted a penalty corner in the first quarter and then two further set pieces later in the game.  The Lions did reply through Jack Collister but not enough to chance the course of events.

Edinburgh have now opened up a seven point lead at the top of the Premiership, perhaps a little false as Western Wildcats play on Thursday evening and have another game in hand also.

And so to Thursday evening.   Western Wildcats went to Uddingston in search of three points to keep their Premiership aspirations alive…and came away with one.   Now they have a mountain to climb to retain their crown as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.   So Wildcats must beat Edinburgh University on Saturday to have any chance.

However, it was a good result for Uddingston, they are now three points ahead of rivals ESM Lions in the quest for that elusive fourth place and a slot in the knock-out phase.

After close opening exchanges Dutchman Just Noordriij opened for Wildcats with a deflection.  But Uddy were back on level terms in the third quarter with a strike by former Aussie Olympian Glenn Turner.    Wildcats had their chances thereafter but Fraser Moran missed from the spot and several penalty corner opportunities were spurned.  And the result was a share of the points.

 

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