Edinburgh University narrowly miss out on reaching the EHL knock-out stage

So close and then again so far for Edinburgh University at the EHL in Eindhoven, they went down 3-2 Austrian champions SV Arminen and their progression to the knock-out stages now hung in the balance.

The scenario was simple, Arminen needed to lose to French side Lille on Sunday`s final pool match for the Edinburgh students to make it to the knock-out stage – any other result would see the Austrians progress.   The slight advantage Edinburgh have is that they have a superior goal difference to Arminen which could come into play.

Unfortunately Arminen were 2-1 victors over Lille – and so disappeared Edinburgh`s aspirations of progression.

The Scottish champions showed a lot of courage…they were three down early in the second half, got it back to 3-2 but were unable to take that final step to parity.

Arminen dominated the first half with several penalty corners, and it was from one of them that Florian Steyrer put them ahead.   Then just before half-time they were awarded a penalty and the same player converted from the spot for a two goal lead.

Edinburgh looked dead and buried when Florian Hackl scored from another penalty corner only four minutes into the second half.    But then came the comeback – Jamie Golden buried the students` first set piece to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

The Scottish champions were on a bit of a role with an open play goal from Tom Cahalin…his second of the tournament.    The Austrians lost a little of their composure as both Hackl and Steyrer visited the sin bin for a rest.   The Scots pushed for the equaliser…and a penalty corner came and went…but the final breakthrough failed to materialise and the students had to settle for a bonus point for a narrow defeat.

With Edinburgh University and Watsonians not involved Western Wildcats pushed their cause with a comfortable 6-0 win at Clydesdale in the men`s Premiership.  The catalyst was another hat-trick from Fraser Moran while Hamish Galt, Rob Harwood and Angus Wylie supplied the other goals.

Meanwhile Uddingston retained their unbeaten record with a 3-1 win at Grange…but they did let in their first goal.  Uddy were two up at the interval, Angus Sinclair scored directly from a penalty corner and that was followed by a goalmouth scramble after another penalty corner which finished with Ewan Hutchinson sending a high volley into the roof of the net.   Towards the end of the contest Albert Rowling reduced the deficit for Grange at a penalty corner…then they replaced their keeper with an additional outfield player, but it back fired when Uddy were awarded a penalty corner and Sinclair again was on target.

Grange manager Martin Sheperdson reflected that his young side are improving but are not clinical enough in the circle while Uddingston took their chances – encouraging but Grange have still no points on the board.

ESM Lions also move up to the top echelons of the table with a 4-3 win at Hillheadl…It was a ding-dong affair where the score line varied at the game progressed but the Edinburgh side triumphed by the odd goal in sevel.   That was thanks to a hat-trick of penalty corner conversions by Keegan Russell with the other goal coming from Thomas McInroy.  However, there was a late crisis in the game. Hillhead had an overtime penalty corner but it was saved by the Lion`s keeper Callum Miller.

Grove Menzieshill have also moved up the table with a 3-2 win over Dunfermline Carnegie,   Into the third quarter the Taysiders were in total control with a three goal lead through Luke Cranney with a deflection and a slap from the top of the circle while in the meantime Findlay Duncan found the net from a penalty corner…and perhaps they could have scored more.  But the Fifers then retaliated with two penalty corner strikes from Aidan McQuade…and it was game on but Menzieshill held out for the three points.   And Menzieshill coach Gavin Byers reflected: “We will take the three points and move on.”

Meanwhile Inverleith moved out of the bottom zone with a close 4-3 win over Kelburne.  Mati Ruiz scored a couple while Kyle Taylor and Thomas Barton added the others.     Kelburne`s Scott Peters was again on target with a double and Rory Donaldson also scored.

Watsonians moved to the top of the women`s Premiership with a nine goal victory over Gordonians in Aberdeen…and it was a triumph for Sarah Jamieson who scored five.   Elsewhere Milly Berndes-Cade grabbed a couple while the others came from Sophie Matthew and Ellie Rutherford.

The Grange v St Andrews University clash was billed as a close encounter, and that is how it turned out with a 2-2 draw.   Grange romped into a two goal lead through Rachel Shiel and Skye Waugh but the students retaliated through Emmy Tran and Grace Keefe – and so the honours finished even.

Edinburgh University started their progress up the table with a 2-0 home win over Hillhead, Emily Morris and Dina Finn were the scorers.

On Friday evening Uddingston progressed their way up the table with a convincing seven goal victory at Glasgow University.   Lexi Macmillan topped with a brace while the others came from Erin MacGregor, Sophie Holmes, D`Arcey Campbell, Suman Thoudam and Katie Watson.

 

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