FIGURE SKATING
Coaches were keen for the squad of 15 to operate at a high tempo and effectively implement a new style of press.
It worked and Perthshire would find themselves three to the good thanks to goals from Emma Fordyce (2) and Emma McCormick.
Granite City turned on the pressure in the second half and created a number of chances, none of which, however, were able to defeat in-form goalkeeper Zoe Ward. Ward’s efforts between the posts earned her the most valuable player award at full-time.
The ladies’ last game of the season is this Saturday at Glasgow Green where Kelburne provide the opposition.
Perthshire’s men, meanwhile, continued strong form to also consolidate their National League position.
The latest success story arrived courtesy of an exciting 4-3 victory against Falkirk and Linlithgow on Saturday.
Mark Gorrie, Adam Czub, Michael Robertson and Ollie Hall netted the goals for Perthshire.
Next up is a National League trip to take on Highland Hockey Club.
PARTNERSHIP LAUNCH
Perth-based Bell Ingram was this week “delighted” to launch a partnership with Scottish Hockey.
The partnership will see the premium estate agents become Property Partner of the national women’s squad.
As well as helping to nurture Scotland’s hockey talent within its training framework, the partnership will run down the age groups allowing the Scottish squad to continue its important work of encouraging girls to take up the sport.
The collaboration will see the Bell Ingram logo appear on the players’ shirts, and throughout the home stadium at Glasgow Green on match days.
Carl Warden, head of estate agency at Bell Ingram, said: “Bell Ingram is proud to be the official Property Partner of the Scottish Hockey women’s team and we look forward to working closely with the team on communicating our brands collaboratively.
“Hockey is a natural fit for our business and the reach of the national squad, not only in Scotland but also further afield, is great promotion for the Bell Ingram brand. We are really looking forward to seeing the squad in action this year and playing our part in supporting young talent and the next generation.”
Barry Cawte, CEO at Scottish Hockey, added: “It’s great that we have such a high quality and established business on board, particularly one who places important emphasis on developing people.”
PERTH PUBS DARTS LEAGUE
Arrow aces Atholl have been crowned winners of this season’s Perth Pub Darts League Division One.
They edged out the Scone Arms at the top of the standings with a record of 12 wins, one draw and one loss.
The Division Two title was won by the Ex Servicemen’s Club who pieced together 10 wins, two draws and two losses.
The final league fixtures of the season were played on Monday evening.
Next week will see the playoff match between Luncarty and the Earn Hotel, which will be held in the Scone Arms.
Saints Club, meanwhile, will be hosting a singles competition for those players not taking part in the playoff.
Results from Monday, April 25 Strathord 5 Earn Hotel 7, Luncarty FC 9 Letham Club 3, Ormonds A 2 Scone Arms 10, Atholl 12 Saints 0, Foundry 6 Luncarty 6, Ballroom 7 Bee Bar 5.
Best games –K Toher 20 (Luncarty FC), J Fowler 18 (Ormonds A), G Parsons 16 (Scone), S Tully 20 (Ballroom), K Stephen 18 (Strathord), B Tait 18 (Strathord).
180s – J Fowler (Ormonds A), A Edwards (Scone), C McCafferty (Bee Bar).
Checkouts – K Stephens 130 bull finish (Strathord).
BLAIRGOWRIE DOLPHINS
East Perthshire swimming club the Blairgowrie Dolphins is to hold trials for children and young people interested in joining the club.
Open to anyone who loves swimming and can swim all four strokes – front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly – as well as somersault or tumble turn in the water, the trials will take place in Blairgowrie Recreation Centre on Tuesday, May 17 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
If you are interested in trying out for the club send Nikki Muir or Fiona Downey an email at blairdolphins@yahoo.co.uk with your name and age and they will get back to you with all the details.
BLACKPOOL SKATING FESTIVAL
A rising figure skating star from the Fair City has been impressing north and south of the border.
And Robyn Duffy’s latest impressive performance saw her pick up a silver medal at the Blackpool Skating Festival.
The Perth Academy pupil impressively finished second in the Level 1 ladies’ 13 and 14 years category.
Robyn (pictured below) is a member of Stirling New Figure Skating Club and Perth Figure Skating Club.
“I first got involved in ice skating when my mum took me to a summer learn to skate class at Dewars Ice Rink when I was six,” Robyn recalled. “At that time I mostly enjoyed all the sparkly costumes!
“Now it’s all about training and improving every day.
“I started competing when I was eight and my first competition was in Aberdeen. I enjoy progressing through the levels and achieving a new personal best each time I compete.”
The success in Blackpool was the product of hours and hours of hard work with dedicated coaches.
“Blackpool was a fantastic competition,” Robyn continued. “I competed against 11 other girls and came second in my level.
“I was very pleased with my performance and I achieved a new score and personal best of 20.18.
“I have been working very hard with my coach on and off the ice. That includes very early morning sessions in Stirling and lots of off ice flexibility and cardio.
“I train twice a week, Friday nights and early Saturday mornings in Stirling.”
Robyn, after such a great performance, can’t wait to return to the ice for competitions next month.
She told the PA: “The next competitions I have are Kirkcaldy on May 10 and Dundee on May 21. I’m very much looking forward to this and improving on my second place from Blackpool.”