Perth takes centre stage

Scottish Hockey officially moves indoors tomorrow with Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth taking centre stage as host venue for Scotland’s top indoor clubs.

With Clydesdale Western ousting MJV Wanderers from their accustomed top spot last season, there’s sure to be fireworks when east meets west in the final match-up at 4.30pm.

The Dundee outfit are determined to regain their years of dominance which were undermined by a ban on gamechanging players restricted to preparations for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. No such problems this time round as “the squad looks stronger than ever”, said coach Iain Strachan.

Clydesdale do the opening honours against Hillhead, with CALA Edinburgh sandwiched between the anticipated meaty encounter.

Game three pits Grove Menzieshill against Watsonians in what could be a tricky start. The Taysiders find themselves in a rebuilding process and may need some time to mould youth and experience into an effective outfit. Their afternoon clash with Grange looks more manageable, at least on paper.

Last season’s dark horses, Edinburgh University, gave everyone a run for their money and are a good bet to emerge from their double header with maximum points.

The second strings from Wanderers and Grove have been kept apart in the Division 2 openers at DISC, while Perthshire fly the Midland flag with three encounters in Bell’s Coaching Hall.

Meanwhile, with Midland indoor leagues passing the halfway mark in midweek, Dundee Wanderers’ teams are in the box seat in both divisions. Wanderers Red seem destined to regain their first division crown after a one-year absence, while their third team are in prime position to win Division 2.