High-flying students set for tough examination

Edinburgh University face the first real test of their defence of the first division title when they face league leaders Milne Craig Western at Peffermill today, writes

The students have won both their fixtures to date, but player-coach Sam Judge knows that Western will present a much more difficult hurdle. She said: “We’re looking forward to the game andwecanthengaugewhere we are at playing against several internationalists.

“We are a very different side from last season. I’m trying out a few different things to find what works best for us. Our more experienced players are having to take on more responsibility.”

Judge’s charges won the championship play-off final against Western at the end of last season, but that is unlikely to be an indicator of current form as both sides have lost key players since then.

University are now without Becky Merchant and GB striker Sarah Robertson among others, while Western have lost Susan Mcgilveray and Fiona Bruce.

The present Western side are perhaps far from the halcyon days of the 80s and 90s – they have won the league only twice since 2004 – but they have a sizeable representation in the Scotland squad.

Wildcats face Dundee Wanderers and playercoach Kaz Cuthbert has overseen a steady rise in the Wildcats’ fortunes and they are now established as a top-four side. They started this season’s campaign with victories over Hillhead and GHK. Grove Menzieshill should pick up three points at home against Kelburne.