A Preview of our top divisions for 2015-16

National League Previews

It’s The Big Weekend for our hockey teams across the top leagues for men and women as our National League programmes begin.

In Women’s National One, the biggest changes are amongst the coaching fraternity as Grove Menzieshill and Clydesdale Western will take to the field under the watchful eye of Linda Clement and Derek Forsyth repectively.  Both coaches have strong experience of international hockey so all eyes will be on how they do leading their teams domestically.

Dundee Wanderers welcome back the outstanding Vikki Bunce and Becky Ward after their stellar performances for Scotland in London at the Europeans.  Alongside established players such as Heather Elder and youth prodigy Charlotte Watson, the indoor specialists will look to build on last years Scottish Plate success.

Elsewhere in Womens National One, Edinburgh University continue to build on their success of last season with the signing of Amy Brodie who joins from Grove Menzieshill.  Brodie was part of the Scotland Senior Womens setup for the 2015 European Championships and strengthens Sam Judge’s Champions even further.

Staying in the East, CALA Edinburgh will be delighted by the signing of 4 promising talents including Scotland youth starlet Amy Costello whilst newly promoted Erskine Stuarts Melville will be warmly welcomed by all in the top flight for their first ever match in National One after a tremendous promotion run last season.

Back in the West, Kareena Marshall is delighted with the return of Rona Stewart to Western Wildcats 1st XI after injury and Kelburne Ladies will be thrilled by recent Scotland U18 success enjoyed by Natalie MacKinnon and Maddie Cleat.

Across at Old Anniesland GHK are celebrating both past and future as the clubs 25th anniversary coincides with the laying of a new water based astro as the club continues to cement its elite status.

Turning our attention to the mens side, Grange and Kelburne who fought out for the National Championship in 2015 are set to go again, with Iain Scholefield returning to the Paisley side after time playing in Australia alongside Gary Maitles joining from Western Wildcats.  Renowned Drag-flick expert Josh Cairns returns for another spell in the yellow and black after moving from recently promoted Uddingston.

Champions Grange have lost Scotland star Hamish Imrie to Loughborough after a stellar European Championships in Prague, however the Edinburgh powerhouses have massive strength in depth across the club and will not let their crown go lightly.

Western Wildcats coach Harry Dunlop told the clubs own media that the youthful age of his senior mens side bodes well for the future, with a cultural shift in training and preparation more important than any marquee signings.

Staying in the West, Hillhead Goalkeeping Talisman Jamie Frail returns for his 17th consecutive season in the first XI.  Keith Joss, 2014 Scottish Hockey coach of the year is keen for his team to emulate their top-four finish of season 13-14, with many of that squad remaining at Windyedge.  PSL Teamsport Clydesdale are adjusting to the loss of coach John McKnight who heads Down Under with the double-blow of losing Ciaran Crawford to Grove Menzieshill.

Dundee has 2 teams back in the top flight for the first time in a year as Grove Menzieshill return to the top flight after dominating National Two with a perfect season.  Gavin Byers brings the experience of another international tournament with him from Prague alongside the aforementioned Ciaran Crawford.

Uddingston are another team out to cement elite status by improving infrastructure with the laying of a new water-based pitch.  The club have embedded themselves in the local community and also focus on sustainability with an excellent youth programme but their immediate task is retaining their place in National One.

Dundee Wanderers Men retain a similar squad to last season after yet another strong play-off showing.  Key players such as Fergus Sandison and Euan Borland will be key for the Black & Red’s again this season.

Last seasons 4th placed AAM Gordonians are also looking strong and are of course keen to retain their top 4 status as a minimum.  Craig Harper told the clubs media last week of some departures but the club are excited at Robbie SHeperdson joing from Loughborough and Rory McCann joining from PSL TeamSport Clydesdale.

Exciting times are ahead for all our National One clubs – we wish you all the best of success!

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