After the opening round of games in the women`s indoor National League 1 three teams – Clydesdale Western, Watsonians and Dundee Wanderers – emerged unbeaten, it’s a situation that can change after Sunday`s matches. Although Clydesdale and Watsonians are not due to meet until next weekend, Wanderers will play both – so something will have to give.
Wanderers certainly won both their games last weekend – 5-2 and 4-1 against Edinburgh HC and Inverleith respectively – and in both cases coming from behind to do so. And they have some experienced indoor players in the ranks, Carmin Dow has long been established as one of the country’s top indoor keepers, and she only conceded three in the opening session. Up front there is Amy Snelle and Jess Martin, who showed themselves adept at putting the ball in the net.
But the question is – will that be enough to halt the free-scoring Clydesdale and Watsonians? Wanderers will start off the day in a tough contest against Hillhead.
Clydesdale top the table courtesy of having a game more played…but they certainly piled in the goals – 25 in three games to be precise. Tamilla Matchett, Kayleigh and Margery Justice, Millie Steiger, Lucy Williamson and player/coach Fiona Semple were the main providers.
Will it be too much firepower for Wanderers and Wildcats, who are Clydesdale`s opening game? An exciting weekend awaits.
Watsonians play three games this Sunday; as well as Wanderers they take on Inverleith and Edinburgh HC. With the lethal finishing prowess of the likes of Sarah Jamieson and Emily Dark, it will take top performances to see the champions faltering. Nine points would bring them level with Clydesdale at the top, with only goal difference being the deciding factor.
It would be logical to assume that Wildcats will be vying for a semi-final spot as per last indoor season. After all they are doing well in the outdoor league, they came third indoor last year and have the likes of Kate Holmes, Alex Stuart, Lucy Findlay and Olivia Finch turning out.
The Cats were unfortunate on the opening day, they opened against champions Watsonians and then found their second match against Hillhead abandoned.
The Cats have a three game day on Sunday, starting with Clydesdale followed by Edinburgh University and Inverleith, so will aim to start picking up points.
However, Inverleith and Edinburgh University have already picked up three points during the first session, so it will be interesting to see if they can add to their tally on Sunday – both play Wildcats, the students also take on Hillhead while Inverleith have Watsonians.
Hillhead and Edinburgh HC are pointless at the moment but they meet head-to-head in Game 6 to see which side can move off the bottom.
