GALA Day 2017: a day of drama awaits

GALA Day 2017 poster

After the pulsating and dramatic semi-finals of last weekend, the indoor hockey GALA Day final brings together giants of the Scottish indoor game for one final battle for the championship.

In the men’s competition Inverleith and Grove Menzieshill are set to cross swords for the final game in this season`s men’s first division championship, with a place in Europe next year for the winner. Both sides are used to the tension of the occasion; Inverleith are in search of their fifth crown while Grove Menzieshill are hoping to add to their existing total of 19 titles.

History may favour the Taysiders but the Edinburgh side would appear to have the edge this season on results so far. Inverleith has only lost once this season and have already completed the double over Grove Menzieshill. But Stuart Neave, Inverleith`s coach, has a more cautious approach to the tussle. He said, “I think it would be naive to base anything on previous results when you head into a final, it is all about performance on the day. However, in general our performances have improved since the festive break, but we will need to be at our best to beat Grove Menzieshill.”

Inverleith have a perfect record in the second half of the season, but Neave admitted that it was an awkward semi-final game against Grange last weekend. The score was locked at 4-4 before late goals from Derek Salmond and Patrick Christie (2) finally settled the issue.

Neave said: “Winning the title is important, whether for the first or fifth time, we are pleased to have the opportunity to compete in the final.”

Neave confirmed a full squad of 12 for the occasion, which means Adam McKenzie and Stephen Dick on penalty corner duty along with Salmond and Christie on target from open play.

Bruce Cuthill, Grove Menzieshill`s coach, has laid down a gauntlet: “The final will be difficult to win as Inverleith have beaten us twice, but we have learnt from these defeats and our younger players have gained valuable experience in the process.

“It`s important for us to win, coming second is not good enough for Grove Menzieshill.”

The Taysiders also faced a struggle in their semi-final, drawing 5-5 against Kelburne with less than two minutes before Ross McPherson and Ben Cromar sealed the victory. Although Grove Menzieshill do not have high scoring strikers in their ranks, the fact that goals can come from almost any player in the squad is a clear asset.

At the other end of proceedings Edinburgh University and Watsonians have a chance to secure a place in next season`s top flight, they play each other early in the day with the winner up against Western Wildcats for the final place in the first division. Hillhead 2s and Grove Menzieshill 3s will get the GALA Day off to a flying start – expect goals and action in this game. Also, all eyes will be on Kelburne and Grange, which promises to be a goal-fest.

Although Dundee Wanderers will face Grove Menzieshill`s second string for the second division crown, the former are already promoted as reserve side is ineligible for promotion.

Dundee Inverleith Indoor w

There may only be three games in the women’s competition at the GALA Day but they are set to three great contests.

All the evidence suggests that Dundee Wanderers could be favourites to take the women`s championship against Grove Menzieshill, but with the final being a Tayside derby all bets are off. The one thing that is certain is it is set to be a cracker of a game.

Last weekend there was a real buzz about Dundee Wanderers and their playmaker Vikki Bunce; in the semi-final they defeated Milne Craig Western with a powerful second half display, and Bunce scored a double hat-trick. In addition Wanderers have already completed the double over their city neighbours.

A big 4-3 win over Edinburgh University in the semi-finals saw Grove Menzieshill book their place in the final, well-earned after finishing fourth in the league table and battling through the pool section at Wanderers’ heels.

Grove Menzieshill will be very well represented throughout the day on Saturday and there could be a big crowd wearing their colours, which could make all the difference. The squad has clocked up 46 goals this season and with the final being a derby, and Europe the prize, anything could happen.

Edinburgh University, who have brought a breath of fresh air to the women`s competition, have a chance to claim a very creditable third place if they beat Clydesdale Western. The two finished on level points in the league with the students taking second place on goal difference. Edinburgh also came out on top in the Pool. Both sides are good for a goal so expect action throughout this encounter.

At the other end of the spectrum Inverleith can retain their top flight status if they can see off the challenge of Hillhead from the second tier. This will be the second game of the day and one with so much at state – it’s sure to be a thriller.

 

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