Wanderers to face MCCW

MJV Dundee Wanderers will defend their National Indoor League crown against Milne Craig Clydesdale Western in the gala finale at Bells Sports Centre, Perth, on February 3, writes our women’s hockey correspondent.

Aiming for title number eight, the Dundee outfit had to dig deep to shore up their unbeaten run as Hillhead and Grove Menzieshill proved to be awkward opponents.

Hillhead’s Rebecca Osborne cancelled out Amy Snelle’s first-half effort before Emily Dark’s overtime decider showed just why the talented 17-year old received a call-up to the Scotland squad heading to Belgium for next weekend’s European indoor championships.

Grove Menzieshill’s unforeseen loss handed top spot in pool B to Edinburgh University, thus ensuring a humdinger of a crossover against their city neighbours.

Unlike the earlier Dundee derby, when Wanderers had the points sewn up before half time, it went to the wire.

Rachel Osborne’s goal split the teams after a feisty first half.

Carmin Dow’s penalty save from Pauline Stott came just three minutes before Jess Ross’ interception and inch-perfect pass released Ruth Blaikie to put Wanderers 2-0 up.

Three minutes from time a Stott set-piece hit the back of Dow’s net.

Grove won a corner in the last 30 seconds but Wanderers kept their cool.

With MCCW keeper Jess Buchanan taking ill, veteran GB and Scotland striker Wendy Justice kitted up and saved a penalty to deny Edinburgh University captain Becky Dru. It spurred her team-mates on to win 6-3.

Kelburne’s relegation was confirmed, with Wildcats destined for a play-off against the runners-up in Division 2 where Grove II had a win and a loss, and Wanderers II lost twice.

Perthshire stumbled in Division 3 with no points from two games.