Edinburgh University and Grange crowned National League 1 champions

League champions were crowned as Edinburgh University kept their composure with a 3-1 win at Western Wildcats to take the women`s National League 1 title by two points from Milne Craig Clydesdale Western, but in the men`s title race Bromac Kelburne were held to a 3-3 draw by Uddingston and then lost their title to Grange on goal difference in a dramatic final day of the season.

It was drama at Bothwell Castle; five yellow cards, a six goal thriller and a last minute penalty corner strike by Uddingston`s Steven Percy, the final outcome was a 3-3 draw and Kelburne had handed Grange the chance to snatch their league crown.

The champions had clawed their way back into the contest finishing the first half two down. However, with the seconds ticking away they led 3-2 and the silverware looked to be heading back to Paisley for the 14th time, but then Percy`s set piece effort went into the net off the post and all eyes were set on Edinburgh.

28 April 2018 at Uddingston Hockey Club. Scottish League Division 1 game, Uddingston v Kelburne. Uddingston goalscorer Steven Percy – photo by Duncan Gray

Already knowing the Kelburne result Grange took full advantage of the situation and beat bottom side Inverleith 5-0 to take their first title since 2002 on goal difference.

Grange were two up at the interval through penalty corner conversions by Luke Cranney and Michael McKenzie. Grange then confirmed their advantage with further strikes by James Nairn, Cammie Fraser and Callum McKenzie to take the crown on goal difference.

Western Wildcats purred their way to a 4-1 win over Edinburgh University at Auchenhowie, a result that leaves them fourth in the table. The opening two goals came from Rob Harwood, Hamish Galt added a third from a penalty corner while Andrew McConnell made it 4-0, Callum White scored a late consolation for the students.   However, despite the scoreline Edinburgh held on to sixth place and thereby avoiding the relegation play-offs.

Third placed Grove Menzieshill were also on winning form with a comfortable 5-1 win over Hillhead on Tayside. The Dundonians were three up at the interval, Paul Martin struck twice while Aidan McQuade added another from the spot. Guy Rowson and Albert Rowling were on target in the second half for Grove Menzieshill.

At Titwood Clydesdale finished their season in a creditable fifth position with a 5-4 win over Dundee Wanderers who consequently remain in the relegation play-off zone. Struan Walker (2), Graham Dunlop, Chris McFadden and Andrew Allan were on target for the home side.

Photo by Andy Lovat

Edinburgh University retained the women`s National League title with a 3-1 away win at Wildcats. The foundation was laid in the first half with goals from Sophie Maunder and Amy Brodie.

Izzy Fowler added a third in the second half before Emily Cross got a consolation for the Wildcats, resulting in the fourth title in a row for the student.

The students finished two points ahead of Milne Craig Clydesdale Western who defeated Dundee Wanderers 5-1, there were two goals each for Emma McGregor and Millie Steiger while Heather Howie got the other.

There was a bit of a shock with Hillhead beating Grove Menzieshill 3-2, the result leaves the latter in fourth place, two points behind Wildcats with a game in hand.

But both Grove Menzieshill and Wildcats are under pressure from Watsonians whose 3-0 win over Grange puts them within striking distance of a top four place, and they have the luxury of a game in hand. Georgia Jones scored twice while Bethan Mann got the other in the comfortable Watsonians victory.

Into the Sunday contests and Grove Menzieshill finally confirmed their top four status with a comfortable 4-0 win over GHK in a catch-up women’s National League 1 fixture on Tayside.

In fact Grove Menzieshill take over third spot, one point ahead of Wildcats. The defeat leaves the Glasgow side to fight it out in the relegation play-off.

The contest was over by the interval with the Taysiders taking a three goal lead, Katie Robertson scored twice with Lucy Smith getting the other.

The Dundonians only added one to their tally in the second half with Smith getting her second of the match.

Gordonians are Men’s National league 2 Champions

Meanwhile in Men’s National League 2 Aberdeen Standard Gordonians defeated Watsonians 2-1 in an exciting fast paced match watched by the largest home crowd seen at Countesswells for many years.

The result meant that both teams finished the season on 49 points, each with 16 wins, 1 draw, and 1 defeat but Gordonians were crowned champions when they won the league with a much better goal difference of 78  compared to Watsonians’ 61.

Watsonians went ahead with an open play goal in the first half however the home side backed by their large home crowd overcame that half-time deficit by scoring twice early in the second half and successfully defended several Watsonians attacks to win the match 2-1. Jack Collister and John Hamilton were the Gordonians scorers.

 

More to follow…

 

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