Glasgow University top the Premiership

Three wins in a row and Glasgow University are now in pole position in the women`s Premiership. In the men’s, Wildcats are still on top despite their game against Grange being postponed, and Kelburne failed to take advantage after their contest against Watsonians failed to survive the torrential rain.

Clydesdale Western continued their challenging start to the women’s Premiership with another close 1-0 victory over rivals Edinburgh University at Peffermill. It was a close encounter throughout, but the winner emerged from a penalty corner second phase conversion by Scotland player Bronwyn Shields in the third quarter. Clydesdale`s coach Derek Forsyth was quick to praise keeper Cara McAllister for a series of saves to prevent the students getting back into the game.

Edinburgh coach Sam Judge commented: ” It was a good game, both teams created chances and both keepers played well. I would say we dominated possession throughout.”

Watsonians ended GHK’s stay at the top of the table with a 3-1 win at Old Anniesland. Zara Kennedy put the home side in front, but by the interval Emily Dark with a low shot at a penalty corner, and Ellie Stott, had put the Edinburgh side 2-1 ahead. Sarah Jamieson was the only scorer in the second half and Watsonians move up to third in the table.

Ellie Stott scores for Watsonians against GHK. Photo by Duncan Gray.
Ellie Stott scores for Watsonians against GHK.
Photo by Duncan Gray.

But pride of place must go to Glasgow University who took over at the top of the table after seeing off Erskine Stewart`s Melville 5-1. The Glasgow students were 3-1 up at the interval, Corrie Hay with a first time shot, Ciara Forgie who buried a rebound after her first shot had been blocked by the keeper, and Lucy Smith following a pass from Emily Simmers were Glasgow`s scorers, while Kerrie Craig replied from the spot for the Edinburgh side.

In the second half Glasgow extended their lead through a double from Zara Mason for a comfortable victory.

Elsewhere, Uddingston moved up to fifth in the table following a 2-0 win over Hillhead, penalty corner strikes from Magdaline Bower and Josie O`Brien were the difference.

Wildcats finally moved into the top six with an 8-1 defeat of Dundee Wanderers on Tayside. It took the Wildcats 37 seconds to exert their authority with a strike by Rona Stewart. By the interval the lead had extended to four with further goals from Sue Campbell, Rachel Bain and Kate Holmes.

In the second half Wildcats added to their tally with another two from Stewart, Holmes got another and Olivia Finch was also on target. Erskine`s Kerrie Craig got a consolation from the spot.

Gordonians lifted themselves out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win away at Grove, who remain firmly fixed at the bottom. Ailsa Phimister with a deflection and Sophie Conrad were the scorers for the Aberdonians, while Mel Mitchell got Grove`s goal after a goalmouth scramble.

Kelburne missed the chance to take over pole position in the men`s Premiership when their match against Watsonians only lasted the first quarter before the torrential rain rendered the Glasgow Green pitch waterlogged, with no goals scored.

But there was no holding back Uddingston, they came out 7-1 victors against Grove Menzieshill on Tayside, to move into the top six. Uddingston’s youngsters were to the fore, Finn Halliday scored a hat-trick, Gavin Mackenzie got two and the others came from Louis Gardiner and veteran Jackie Tran.

Clydesdale also moved up to the top echelons with a 4-3 win at Edinburgh University. At the end of the first quarter, the Titwood-based side were two up through a penalty corner conversion by Andrew Allan and open play strike by Fraser Hirst. By the end of the third quarter Clydesdale`s advantage had extended to 4-1 with two further set piece strikes from Allan for his hat-trick.

The students clawed their way back into the contest in the final quarter – their goals came from Ben Pearson (2) and Keir Robb – but the Glasgow side held out for the three points.

Action shot from Watsonians v GHK ladies Premiership hockey match. Photo by Duncan Gray

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