Grand Finals & Play-Offs signal season finale for clubs

The finale of the Men’s and Women’s National League Division 1 & 2 season takes place this weekend with the Grand Finals and Promotion / Relegation Play-Offs being staged at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

A fantastic weekend of hockey is scheduled, with no less than six crucial matches taking place!

Entry is only £5 for Adults, U16s and Senior Citizens admission is free of charge. Those attending matches on Saturday will be able to retain their entry band for Sunday if they wish.

Grand Finals (Sunday 17 April)

Men’s National League

Bromac Kelburne and Grove Menzieshill will contest the Men’s National League Grand Final (4pm).

GM v KEL

There is no doubt that these two sides have demonstrated a class above the rest this season and a hotly contested battle is anticipated.

For Kelburne, a domestic treble is their aim having bagged the League and Cup already.

The Paisley side have made the Grand Final for third year running after defeating Western Wildcats in the semi-finals.

As they demonstrated in the Scottish Cup final against Edinburgh University, any side giving away a significant goal advantage to the 12-in-a-row league champions will find it extremely difficult to claw their way back into the match.

Still the side to beat in Scotland, they will go into the Grand Final with high confidence.

Nevertheless, Grove Menzieshill have responded to their relegation in 2014 in a highly professional manner.

A record-breaking league campaign last season was followed up by a remarkable performance in Division 1 this season when they were pipped to the league title on goal difference by Sunday’s opponents.

The Dundonians are also one of only two sides to inflict a defeat on Kelburne this season, and their semi-final defeat to the west coast side required a penalty shoot-out.

A semi-final win over last season’s Grand Final winners Grange paved their way to Sunday’s encounter and the Taysiders will be eager to take that final step towards claiming domestic silverware.

A close match is expected, with predicting a winner very difficult.

Women’s National League

In similar circumstances to the Men’s match, the Women’s National League Grand Final (2pm) will feature Scotland’s two highest performing teams, Edinburgh University and Grove Menzieshill.

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Having narrowly triumphed over Sunday’s opponents in both the League and Scottish Cup Final, Edinburgh University have a domestic treble in their sights.

The students are also aiming for a second Grand Final win in a row after winning last season’s finale in Glasgow.

Player-coach Sam Judge was the difference between the two sides in the recent Scottish Cup encounter, scoring all four goals in a dramatic win, and the Dundonian defence will need to be on their toes to snuff out the threat from the former Scotland international.

Like their male clubmates, this is the last chance of winning domestic silverware this season for Grove Menzieshill.

Linda Clement’s side have the knowledge in mind that they were the only team to inflict defeat on the University this season and their mixture of youth and experience are more than a match for the capital outfit.

University will start as narrow favourites in this match, but picking the winning team is no easy task.

Division 1/2 Play-Offs (First Leg, Saturday 16 April, Second Leg, Sunday 17 April)

Men’s Play-Offs

Inverleith are aiming to reclaim a place back in Division 1 when they take on Hillhead in the Men’s promotion / relegation play-off (12.00, both days).

The Purple Robes, who were demoted at this stage last year, take on a Hillhead side who have suffered a difficult run of form in the last few weeks of the season.

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Despite a 4-4 draw in last weekend’s first leg semi-final against Uddingston, the Glasgow side were comfortably beaten 5-1 in the second leg, propelling them towards a fight for survival this weekend.

Inverleith came up short in their semi-final against PSL Team Sport Clydesdale, but may be more confident of causing an upset with their opponents demonstrating questionable form of late.

Women’s Play-Offs

The Women’s play-off features an Edinburgh derby between Erskine Stewart’s Melville FP and Grange EL (10.00, both days).

Having lost to local rivals CALA Edinburgh in last weekend’s semi-final, this is the former pupils’ last chance to salvage their place in the top division for 2016/17.

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Form normally favours the team in the higher division, but Grange EL ran Watsonians close in the other semi-final and will pose a real threat to their capital foes as they aim for a return to Division 1 having been relegated at this stage in the play-offs in 2014.

With a place in the country’s top 10 at stake, expect a very close fought affair.

Scottish Cup Final
16:00Bromac Kelburne v Edinburgh University
Having wrapped up a 12th consecutive league title on the final day of the league campaign, Bromac Kelburne have the Scottish Cup in their sights.
The Paisley side endured a tense, tough battle against Grove Menzieshill, eventually sealing a place in Saturday’s showpiece after winning the semi-final on penalties.
However, they must take on an Edinburgh University side who cruised through their last four encounter against PSL Team Sport Clydesdale by a 5-1 scoreline.
This season’s league encounters between the two teams suggest the final will be a close run affair, Kelburne winning by a 2-0 margin at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre last October, only for the University to make home advantage count in a 2-1 win shortly before the winter break.
Scottish Plate Final
14:00Granite City Wanderers v Falkirk GHG
A clash of two Division 2 teams awaits in the Scottish Plate Final.
Having dispatched nine goals past Stirling University in the semi-final, Granite City Wanderers go into the match in confident mood.
Falkirk GHG will consider their place in the final well-earned after coming back from two goals down to take rivals Erskine Stewart’s Melville FP to a penalty shoot-out, where they triumphed by a comfortable 3-0 outcome.
With Wanderers having narrowly defeated Falkirk by the odd goal in this season’s only league encounter, the Aberdonians might just have the edge, but only by a whisker.
District Cup Final
12:00Grove Menzieshill II v Q-Bikes Kelburne II
Midland’s Grove Menzieshill II face up to the challenge of Q-Bikes Kelburne II in the Men’s District Cup Final.
The Dundonians were up to the task of beating Granite City Wanderers II in the last four, winning 4-2, while Kelburne’s second XI made light work of their semi-final task, easing past Ayr 8-1.
District Plate Final
12:00Inverleith II v Anchor (Pitch 2)
Fresh from causing a bit of a semi-final upset against Edinburgh University II, Anchor march into the Plate final against Inverleith II with plenty confidence.
Having already defeated teams in a higher league, the west coast outfit have little to fear as they confront the capital side.
The Purple Robes reached the final courtesy of a 3-2 win over Aberdeen GSFP II.
Reserve Cup Final
10:00Grange III v Grange V
The intricacies of the Reserve Cup mean that this weekend’s final will be an all-club affair between Grange III and Grange V.
The thirds had a comfortable passage in the semi-finals, defeating AAM Gordonians III 3-0, while the fifth string beat MJV Dundee Wanderers III to reach the final.
Reserve Plate Final
10:00Pro-Life Fitness Kelburne III v Edinburgh University III (Pitch 2)
Kelburne’s quest for a finals day treble begins early on Saturday morning when Pro-Life Fitness Kelburne III take on Edinburgh University III.
A penalty shoot-out win over West District league rivals Rottenrow II in the semi-final led to a place in the Plate final.

Edinburgh University III had a more comfortable route to the final, beating PSL Team Sport Clydesdale IV 6-2.

 

 

Venue

Getting to the Glasgow National Hockey Centre

Can I park at the Stadium?

The will be no parking available at the venue.

What are my transport options for getting to the event?

Car/Motorcycle: No parking facilities will be available. However, spectators can park on Ballater St. with no restrictions during the week and weekends. For those travelling from outwith Glasgow, the city can be accessed by the M8, M80, M74 and M77 motorways.

Bus: Ballater St. is serviced by number 65, 164. Nearby London Rd. is serviced by 18, 43, 46, 64 and 263. Please visit FirstBus Glasgow for more information.

Train: Bridgeton Rail Station is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the venue and is serviced by trains to and from Glasgow Central. Please visit National Rail for more information.Can I park at the Stadium?

Car I park my car at the venue?

There will be car parking available at the venue allocated on first come first serve basis.

What are my transport options for getting to the event?

Car/Motorcycle: For those travelling from outwith Glasgow, the city can be accessed by the M8, M80, M74 and M77 motorways.

Bus: Ballater St. is serviced by number 65, 164. Nearby London Rd. is serviced by 18, 43, 46, 64 and 263. Please visit FirstBus Glasgow for more information.

Train: Bridgeton Rail Station is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the venue and is serviced by trains to and from Glasgow Central. Please visit National Rail for more information.

Venue Facilities

Can I bring a buggy into the stadium?

Yes, however there are stairs and no access to a lift. The buggy will need to be checked into reception as it will not be allowed in the stands due to health and safety.

What should I do if I misplace my property?

Ask the event staff on site and they will advise further.

What can I bring to the venue?

Can I bring a camera?

Yes.

Can I bring a pet?

No.

Can I bring an air horn or flare?

No.

Can I bring a backpack or suitcase?

Small backpacks are permitted, suitcases no.

Can I bring food and drink into the stadium?

Food yes. No alcohol or glass bottles allowed.

I need more information

Where can I contact the organiser with any further questions?

Tel: 0141 550 5999

Email: [email protected]

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