Grove Menzieshill cannot afford Western slip-up

With players back from international duty this week, Grove Menzieshill and Clydesdale Western are expected to be at full strength for tomorrow’s ‘match of the day’ at Dalnacraig, writes our women’s hockey correspondent.

The table-topping Taysiders go into the game with a three-point lead over their old rivals, but even a minor lapse in performance would open the door for Edinburgh University and Western Wildcats.

Both are lurking just one point off the pace, but with three points apiece a given this week, it’s a case of how many goals each will profit from in their respective encounters with Grange and Kelburne.

MJV Wanderers travel to Glasgow aiming to see off GHK.

That would keep them within touching distance of the top four while anything less would open the door for Watsonians to match their current 10-point tally should they claim victory over Hillhead.

The local students from Dundee and St Andrews are trailing behind the field in division 2. Now would be a good time to improve with CALA and Granite City both being within range.

Grove IIs have a great chance to hoist themselves above the midpoint in Championship 1 table when they entertain George Heriots at DISC while Stirling Wanderers, Perthshire and Kinross are all giving a good account of themselves in the top half of Championship 2.

Midland division 1 chart toppers Blairgowrie will remain at the summit following a points concession from Brechin Thistle who are unable to field a team.

The big game takes place at Dawson Park between Madras and Kinross II, who are hot on the heels of Blair.

Grove’s emerging talent is making a strong bid for the division 2 title.

Already six points clear of the field, the clash with Monarchs is likely to yield further success.

Brian Moore and Gavin Cruickshanks will deliver a Level 1 umpires course at St Andrews University Sports Campus on Sunday November 5 (9am to 2pm) on behalf of Midland Hockey Union.

This will be free of charge to affiliated members over 16. Clubs should submit names to Gavin – gavcruickshanks@googlemail.com.