Edinburgh University have stepped into second spot behind Grange in the men`s Premiership after seeing off Western Wildcats, while there was little change in the women`s competition after some high scoring matches, yet Edinburgh University moved into third spot above Grange after scoring 17 against Inverleith.
Edinburgh University men’s coach Hamish Imrie vowed that his side were targeting top spot in the Premiership and a 6-4 defeat of rivals Western Wildcats would suggest that this was far from an idle boast. The students now slip into second spot on goal difference from Wildcats and they could move to within three points of leaders Grange if they can see off Uddingston in a catch-up fixture.
Edinburgh`s scorers were captain Keir Robb, a double from Alex Wilson, while Sam Hunt, Tom Cahalin and Luca Muller got the others. Western`s replies came from Jonny Christie, Iain McFadden, Andrew McConnell and Callum Duke.
In response to the result, Hamish remarked: “It was a strong performance and a great win for us against a very good Western side. But we have learnt from this game and on another day we cannot concede four goals. We are developing each week to get better. Now we have a tough game against Uddingston tomorrow.”
Grange certainly did not let the grass grow under their feet with a convincing 9-0 win over Clydesdale at Fettes which keeps the Premiership holders at the top of the table.
The contest was effectively over in the first quarter with Grange four in front. An Aidan McQuade penalty corner conversion in the second minute started the show. Then followed an open play hat-trick from Jamie Green…and that against his former club.
The scoring took a back seat in the next two quarters as Grange controlled proceedings but failed to add to their tally. That is until the final quarter with another five, Alan Johnston, two from newcomer Archie Stephen, another penalty corner from McQuade and finally Dylan Bean.
A delighted manager Martin Shepherdson said: “This was a dominant performance. We played really well in quarters one and four, but we still need to have that quality of performance in all the quarters.”
Various teams have moved up into contention places for the top six, principally Watsonians who were 3-0 winners over Kelburne.
Just a point behind are Uddingston, Inverleith and Hillhead. Uddingston are in fifth after a 4-2 win over visiting Grove Menzieshill, Fahmi Khalid and Mamat Berry both scored twice, as did Chris McFadden for the Taysiders.
Inverleith continue their progress with an 8-2 win at Dundee Wanderers, courtesy of five goals from penalty corner expert Charlie Jack, the other goals came from Kyle Taylor, Stuart Hatton and Will James. Captain Kyle Taylor said: “It was a great win against a hard opposition. The boys were excellent from start to finish. Now to continue into the final game before the break.”
The other side on the verge of a top six place, and only behind on goal difference, are Hillhead who were 2-1 winners over ESM. Andrew Black put the Glasgow side ahead in the first quarter with a shot from the top of the circle but ESM replied with a penalty corner conversion from Rich Wright. The winner came with less than five minutes left when Fraser Ward slapped the ball into the circle for Tom Kemsley to deflect the ball home without knowing too much about it.
There was much high scoring in the women`s Premiership without much competition.
Champions Watsonians beat Hillhead 13-0 in a very one-sided contest. Sarah Jamieson stood out with seven goals while Milly Berndes-Cade got a couple and the rest were single.
Similarly Edinburgh University thumped Inverleith 17-0, Ava Smith got five, Jika Nyirenda four and Harriet Platt three, and the students move up to third in the table.
Second placed Wildcats went to St Andrews University and came away with a 5-0 win. The Cats consolidated their win with two goals in the first quarter through Lexi Sabatelli and Kaz Cuthbert. Further goals followed from Kate Holmes from the spot, Lucy MacMillan and Jen Veitch for a convincing win.
Kaz observed: “There were lots of positives to take away and build upon in the coming weeks.”
Clydesdale Western maintained their fifth place position with a 7-0 away at Gordonians. Heather Howie was top scorer with a hat-trick while Susie Allan, Millie Steiger, Ali Howie and Bronwyn Shields were also on target.
GHK have finally moved into the top six with an eight goal crushing of Glasgow University to beat Uddingston on goal difference. Aimee Martin in four minutes followed by a goal from Fiona Semple following a cross from Orla Thomson put GHK two up at the interval. Thereafter the goals followed from a hat-trick from Joanne Boyle, Lucy Williamson scored a rebound, Margery Justice at a penalty corner, and a deflection by Robin Robeson completed the scoring.
Finally a close contest as Uddingston and Grange fought out a 1-1 draw. The Edinburgh side opened through Hanna McKie and in the third quarter Hasya Saifuddin replied for the Lanarkshire side. The result benefitted neither side, Grange slipped back to fourth while Uddingston surrendered a top six place to GHK on goal difference.
