Culmination of men’s indoor season

The indoor season will conclude tomorrow with the final matches at Bells Sports Centre determining the title and Scotland’s European representatives for February 2019, writes our men’s hockey correspondent.

The finals of the first division will be between Inverleith and Kelburne.

Inverleith may start as favourites due to their greater experience and having represented Scotland in Europe before.

But their team is short of the quality that took them to these heights, although it will be interesting to see the progress the younger players are making.

Kelburne have never been in a Scottish indoor final, and are likely to play without a fully kitted goalkeeper and with six outfield players – a tactic that can often baffle opponents but can also easily backfire.

Menzieshill would normally begin as favourites against Wanderers, but the lack of four players who are in Malaga with the Scotland squad will undoubtedly have an effect, as it did in the semi-final against Kelburne.

Wanderers have probably over-achieved this season, but I would not bet against them furthering that progress tomorrow.

The second division title will also be on the line.

Two remarkable semi-finals in terms of quality of play and intensity opened the way for Carnegie, who are making great progress under Steven Glass and defeated Western Wildcats by 4-3.

Uddingston led Menzieshill II until three late goals turned the tide in Menzieshill’s favour for a 6-5 victory.

Should Carnegie win the final they will take the title and promotion, but if Menzieshill II win they will take the title, although promotion will still go to Carnegie.

Promotion and relegation will also be determined, local interest being in whether Monarchs – runners-up to Perthshire in division 3 – can overcome Inverleith II, who are second from bottom of division 2.

Meanwhile, there will be a meeting of Midland club representatives at 7pm on Monday in Dundee West Church, Perth Road.

Tomorrow’s fixtures: National Indoor div 2 – 3/4 place – Western Wildcats v Uddingston. Final – Carnegie v Grove Menzieshill II. Div 2/3 – play-off – Inverleith II v Monarchs. Div 1 – 3/4 place – Grove Menzieshill v Dundee Wanderers. Div 1/2 play-off – Hillhead v Western Wildcats or Uddingston. Div 1 – Final – Kelburne v Inverleith