Approaching the business end of the premierships

It has loosened up a little at the top of the men`s Premiership as Edinburgh University have opened up a four point cushion over Western Wildcats and Watsonians – although Western Wildcats have a game in hand against Grove Menzieshill at Auchenhowie and you would fancy they will take the three points from that outstanding encounter.

Further there are three games to go on the scheduled calendar, and as coaches Neil Allan, Vishal Marwaha and Sam Judge would undoubtedly say – there`s a way still to go.

This is how it stacks up for the title contenders remaining fixtures – see below.

Edinburgh University v ESM – Western – Watsonians

Western v Uddingston – Edinburgh University – ESM

Watsonians v Grange – Uddingston – Edinburgh University

These are all likely to be difficult games when the pressure is on and any slip-up could loosen a hold on the Premiership title. If there is any observation, it is that the Edinburgh students still have to play both their rivals, so perhaps the destiny is in their own hands, especially as Jamie Golden is in such terrific scoring form.

The first two round of games take place this week, firstly a midweek series and then again on Saturday – doubtless the outcome will become a little clearer by then. All games are now crucial, but Saturday`s clash at Auchenhowie between Western Wildcats and the Edinburgh students seems pivotal. Assuming no surprises midweek, the scenario is thus – a Wildcats victory would put them within a point of the students and with that game in hand, a draw would leave the status quo with Edinburgh still ahead, but an away win would effectively hand the title to Neil Allan`s charges.

And after the next few days there is only one final round of games remaining in April.

Then there is the race to secure fourth place between Uddingston and ESM Lions – the former still have that two point advantage after last weekend`s draw between the sides.  Over the week Uddy are at home to Wildcats and Watsonians – not an easy prospect, while the Lions have Edinburgh University and Grange to contend with.   Any points gained here will be a bonus in the quest for a place in the knock-out stages.

At the other end of the table, last Saturday`s victories have lifted both Clydesdale and Inverleith out of the relegation mire – leaving Dundee Wanderers and St Andrews University to search for salvation – although the best either can probably achieve is the play-off spot. St Andrews students’ late mini-revival still leaves them bottom and only a win at Inverleith will ease the pressure, and put the pressure on Wanderers who are only a point ahead and face the Tayside derby against Grove Menzieshill which they lost 2-1 last time out.

In the final encounter Hillhead are at home to Clydesdale with top of the lower six on offer.

Victories for Watsonians and Clydesdale Western over last weekend has left both well ahead of the chasing pack. Watsonians last minute winner from Fiona Burnet to finally see off the challenge of GHK preserved their three point advantage at the top of the table. Coach Keith Smith did confess to a bit of outdoor rustiness in the performance, so will that be eradicated by the time they face a St Andrews side in search of a top four spot. In October the champions triumphed 5-1, not such a good omen for the students.

Meanwhile Clydesdale ominously ran up eight against Wildcats last week and Fiona Semple`s squad now turn their attention to GHK who have moved up to third in the table.  With the likes of Jenny Eadie, Millie Steiger, Bronwyn Shields and Jika Nyirenda in the ranks, goals are almost certain to follow. Clydesdale certainly won the initial game 5-0 but that was on the first day of the season and GHK have advanced considerably since then.

If either GHK or St Andrews take anything from Saturday`s outings that will be a real bonus in the quest for a knock-out spot.   Also in the mix here is Edinburgh University and they could advance their cause with a home win over Wildcats and reclaim third spot in the table.

On relegation matters Inverleith could leap out of contention with a home win over Aberdeen University on Saturday. Not so long ago the Edinburgh side went up to the North-East and came away with a 3-0 win, so they might be confident of another vital three points. That would leave Hillhead stranded in the relegation play-off spot unless they can take something from their trip to Uddingston.

Meanwhile Grange, who sit at the top of the bottom six, are at home to Glasgow University, and it could be another Grange victory if Rachel Shiel continues her fine scoring form.

 

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