Perthshire onwinning formafter promotion

Perthshire Hockey Club opened up their National League Division 2 campaign with a 7-3 victory against Granite City Wanderers.

Eager to keep the momentum bubbling from their Division 3 title last season, Shire started the game in confident mood.

That mood was boosted when John Stephen netted an early goal but, against the run of play, the Aberdeen side were soon level.

Goals from Lewis Pyke and Michael Berry then settled the nerves and, although another short corner led to a Wanderers goal, a penalty flick was converted by Adam Czub to make the half-time score 4-2 for the hosts.

Shire continued to press after the break and Michal Czub got his name on the scoresheet before Adam Czub went on to complete his hat-trick.

On Saturday the squad will be looking to build on their positive start to the season away at Gordonians, who were relegated from the top flight last season. On Sunday a home game in the Scottish Cup against Glasgow University awaits.

Perthshire men’s second XI kept the feel-good factor flowing strongly at the club with a convincing 8-1 away win over Grove Menzieshill III in Midlands Division 1.

After conceding an early goal Shire equalised courtesy of a composed penalty flick from Angus Marden.

From there, Shire dominated as Andrew Blaikie and doubles from Cameron Martin, Tom Cahalin and Simon Thomson wrapped up the win.

Goals from Robbie Preece (2), Evan Johnston, Lewis Brydon and William Laing helped Perthshire’s third squad to a 5-0 win over Harris II.

The fifth team ran out 4-2 winners in the first development league match of the season, played against the fourths.

And the ladies’third team bagged a 5-2 win against Stirling University II with Iona Fleming, Riley Thomson and Rachel Stewart (3) the scorers.