Kids in West Fife turn out in droves for double dose of hockey

PRIMARY pupils from across West Fife turned out in record numbers to showcase their skills during two indoor hockey festivals last week.

More than 200 youngsters, making up 28 teams from 23 different schools, took part in the P7 events at Pitreavie Athletics Centre that saw several close, and dramatic, matches.

The first of the festival double-header, which was run by Dunfermline Carnegie Hockey Club in partnership with Dunfermline and West Fife Sports Council, took place on Tuesday, with the second following a day later.

A total of 46 matches, involving more than 135 pupils and staff, took place on the first day and ended in a dramatic final between Crossford and McLean.

The former edged it on running penalties, after the game was drawn at full-time, whilst Canmore placed third, and Bellyeoman were fourth.

On day two, 104 youngsters took part, and both the final, and the third and fourth place play-offs, went to running penalties after the games ended level at time-up.

Duloch were the overall winners, with Pitreavie ‘A’ placing second, Inzievar third, and Cardenden fourth.

Youths from Dunfermline Carnegie Hockey Club that are pupils at Dunfermline, Woodmill and St Columba’s high schools helped club officials organise pitches, umpire matches and run the technical table on both days, which were held in collaboration with the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, Active Schools Fife, and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.

Throughout the calendar year, the sports council, traditionally, run a series of festivals across a variety of sports for different primary school age ranges.

Points are awarded that go towards a final total to determine the winners of the ‘Sports School of the Year’ accolade at their annual awards ceremony.