Derby test provides early pointer

The National League begins tomorrow with the most intriguing fixture being between Grove Menzieshill and Dundee Wanderers at DISC, writes our men’s hockey correspondent.

Wanderers gained promotion back to the first division with an excellent season but must adjust to the rigours of the top division quickly.

Pre-season form indicates that Wanderers are up for the challenge and what better way of proving that than to inflict an early defeat on last season’s third-placed team.

Harris had a difficult season but their late form merited them avoiding relegation.

They have a few talented young players coming through but inexperience might just be a telling factor against Gordonians.

Perthshire, as a first team and as a club, are heading in the right direction. An impressive season in division three and good backup from their emerging players should see them cope well in division two. They face Granite City Wanderers.

Monarchs threatened to finish well up division three last season but ultimately fell away. They have a chance to make a positive start against Greenock. Fixtures include:

Tomorrow: Men’s National League, Div 1: Grove Menzieshill v Dundee Wanderers (4pm DISC).

Div 2: Harris v Gordonians (11.30 DISC), Perthshire v Granite City Wanderers, Dunfermline Carnegie v Stepps.

Div 3: Greenock Morton v Monarchs.

Central Div 1: Clydesdale II v Grove Menzieshill II.

Midland League Div 1: Madras v Wanderers III, Grove Menzieshill III v Perthshire II (1pm DISC), Perthshire III v Harris II.

Sunday: Midland League Div 2: Wanderers V v Madras II, Harris III v Monarchs III, Perthshire V v Perthshire IV.