Clinical students repeat double

Edinburgh University produced another masterclass in clinical finishing, repeating last year’s feat of doubling up on Scottish Cup and National League crowns at Glasgow Green on Sunday.

Grove Menzieshill made an encouraging start to their quest for cup glory when Katie Stott’s set-piece piledriver took a deflection to wrong-foot keeper Susan Al-haddad after 15 minutes.

The setback sparked the students into life with player/ coach Sam Judge teeing up Zara Malseed for a perfect finish within minutes and the momentum switched to Edinburgh when Perth’s ‘Squidge’ Campbell pounced from close range before an unmarked Hanna Mckie slotted in for 3-1 before the interval.

Five minutes after the restart it was game, set and match as the imperious Becky Merchant teamed up with Amy Brodie for the latter’s penalty corner tip in.

A frantic last 10 minutes saw Grove push hard to cut the deficit. Katie Robertson was particularly unlucky to see two strikes zip just outside the post, while Al-haddad had to be at her best to prevent Stott from adding to her tally at the final whistle.

Clydesdale Western predictably picked up the Plate, winning their mismatch with Championship League Edinburgh University II 5-0.

Elsewhere Watsonians staged a late smash-and-grab to parachute themselves into the European play-offs for the first time. Celebrations were in order as Ellie Wilson (2), Nikki Stobie and Heather Tait claimed the goals against GHK to ensure a top four finish at the expense of Wildcats.