Indoor defence begins in fine style

DUNDEE Wanderers won their first two games in defence of their Women’s National Indoor hockey title with the narrowest of victories over Clydesdale Western and a resounding win over Kelburne.

After conceding the first goal to Western, Wanderers struck back through Amy Snelle and Emily Dark but Western equalised before the break.

Rachel Osborne made it 3-2 but again Western levelled.

Snelle and Dark gave Wanderers a decisive lead and Western’s response was too late to affect the final result.

Ruth Blaikie (7), Snelle (5) and Katie Mulholland (3) were their main scorers against Kelburne.

Grove Menzieshill got through their first match against Western Wildcats but a goal in each half by Laura Kingston was not up to Grove’s usual tally.

Grove conceded early to Edinburgh University but Jamie Lyon equalised.

Edinburgh again took the lead but Grove struck twice through Sue Hamilton and Jamie Lyon to lead at the interval.

Edinburgh again equalised but Hamilton restored Grove’s lead at 4-3. Grove were undone by two goals in quick succession and they could not respond in the closing five minutes.

The teams are in action again on Sunday with the main clash Grove v Wanderers at 9.15am.

THE quarter-finals of the Scottish Cups are not due until March 18 but Scottish Hockey has been quick off the mark to issue the draws.

Grove Menzieshill feature in both the Men’s and Women’s Scottish Cup with different degrees of difficulty. The men will face Edinburgh University while the women have to travel to Aberdeen University.

Dundee Wanderers only feature in the men’s event but have the most difficult task, away to league leaders Grange.

The men’s Scottish Plate has thrown up one of the most intriguing matches between Perthshire and Gordonians. Harris will find life exceedingly difficult away to the other Second Division promotion hopefuls Watsonians.

Menzieshill III have home advantage in the Reserve Cup against Grange IV.