It could not be closer – Watsonians and Edinburgh University are level at the top of the women`s Premiership. They both have a perfect record with 18 points after six games and are also level on goal difference.
Watsonians had the more taxing afternoon, but they overcame their rivals Clydesdale Western 2-1 at Peffermill. It was a close encounter and far from a title decider but the champions have their noses in front.
All the goals came in the first half, and it was started by an open play strike by Watsonians` Ailsa Small. But within five minutes, Clydesdale were level with a deflection by Fiona Semple. The winning goal, as it transpired, came from a penalty corner strike from Emily Dark. Clydesdale might have edged it in the second half was it not for Watsonians keeper Iona Colquhoun making a few crucial saves, but in the end it was Watsonians who triumphed.
Watsonians coach Keith Smith recorded. “It was a close game which both sides had chances to win, but in the end a draw would not have been unfair and Clydesdale might consider themselves unlucky not to take something from the game. For the neutrals it was a tight and competitive contest.”
In contrast Edinburgh University had an easier passage today with a 5-0 win over Hillhead. Here there were five scorers – Sophia Donald, Harri Platt, Connie Roxburgh, Jojo Muhl and Emily McLean. Interestingly, Hillhead`s keeper Amy Cameron had a role to play facing two penalty spot efforts, the first going wide and her saving the second.
Perhaps a surprise result in the shadow of Bothwell Castle, home side Uddingston`s single goal victory over Wildcats. The only goal of the game came from Sophie Holmes who fired home with a low shot from the top of the circle. Wildcats huffed and puffed but failed to penetrate a strong Uddy defence, and the home side now move closer to the top half of the table. However, not a good weekend for the Cats who lost both games and failed to find the net.
With GHK`s game against St Andrews University postponed, Grange moved into the top six with a seven goal win over bottom side Aberdeen University, with four strikes coming from Rachel Shiel. The other goals came from Jen Cain, Alex Massey and Freya Philip.
In Edinburgh, Inverleith and Glasgow University served up an eight goal thriller… with the spoils shared in an exciting affair, The students took the lead but two goals in as many minutes from Rachael Campbell put Inverleith 2-1 ahead. In the final quarter Glasgow levelled, then Stella Hunger`s double gave Inverleith a 4-3 advantage only for the visitors to equalise again at a late penalty corner. The verdict – “A really great game of hockey and some great hockey from both sides.”
