SPORTS REVIEW OF THE YEAR
The first part of 2016’s sporting review
From East Kilbride FC’s Scottish Cup exploits and swimming success, to netball trophies and award wins, January to June delivered some magic moments.
JANUARY
• The town was buzzing when East Kilbride were handed the chance to play Celtic in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup. Billy Ogilvie’s side beat Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale 2-0 at K-Park on January 20 to secure the huge tie. • Darts ace Ross Montgomery announced he would take some time off to consider his future after losing in the first round in the Lakeside World Championships. Later in the month he confirmed he would continue playing. • Lindsayfield footballer Chris Erskine signed a pre-contract agreement to seal a summer move from Dundee United to Partick Thistle.
FEBRUARY
•The town was at fever pitch as East Kilbride FC played Scottish Premiership champions Celtic at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium. Kilby lost 2-0 after goals from Leigh Griffiths and Kazim Colin-Richards, but EK took all the plaudits for a remarkable display against the Parkhead stars. •East Kilbride Pirates’ women’s team held their first-ever fully kitted practice session. The town’s American football team were able to get up and running thanks to Big Lottery funding. • EK82 Handball Club recorded one of the best results in their history, beating reigning champions Glasgow.
Michael Lavery’s men won 33-28 to send shockwaves across the league.
MARCH
• East Kilbride Thistle made history with their stunning comeback at Lanark United. The Jags stormed back from 3-0 down to win 4-3 with doubles from Liam McLaughlin and Jordan McIntosh. It was the first time ever they had recovered from such a deficit. • Kilby gaffer Billy Ogilvie announced he would be leaving EKFC, due to work commitments, after their East of Scotland Cup Final with Spartans. EK won the match 4-1 as Ogilvie bowed out on a high. • Former Rossvale Juniors manager Martin Lauchlan was unveiled as East Kilbride’s new manager. Just 48 hours after replacing Billy Ogilvie, he lost his first game 2-1 to Whitehill Welfare.
APRIL
• After almost 10 years, East Kilbride Ladies Hockey Club ended their long wait for silverware when they lifted the District Plate. EK let a 2-0 lead slip as Edinburgh Uni fought back to force a penalty shootout, which EK won 3-0. • South Lanarkshire were crowned top club at the National Swimming Championships – with two thirds of the squad made up of EK Swim Team athletes. • East Kilbride Rugby Club were relegated from the National Leagues. They lost 38-10 to Perthshire to confirm their fate with a game to spare.
MAY
• East Kilbride Netball Club were celebrating after lifting the Scottish Cup for the third year running. They beat Glasgow South Saltires 56-43. • Jacob Kean was the hero for East Kilbride FC as they completed a cup treble with a penalty shootout win over Gretna in the Lowland Cup Final. He saved twice in the 4-2 shootout win after the game had ended 0-0 after extra-time. • Queen’s Park footballer Paul Woods won the EK News Player of the Year Award after topping our Star Tracker.
JUNE
• East Mains referee Bobby Madden was selected as a additional assistant referee for the Euro 2016 football championships in France. He was involved in three matches. • Local athletes secured an awards treble at the South Lanarkshire Sports Awards as Emma Canning won adult female of the year, while swimmer Meg Finnon and athlete Aidan Gilbride won the junior female and male prizes, respectively. • The News exclusively revealed EKFC were in signing talks with ex-Rangers star Nacho Novo.
After almost 10 years, East Kilbride Ladies Hockey Club ended their wait for silverware