Issues at top and bottom to be settled this weekend

THIS WEEKEND signifies the conclusion of the extended National League programme, writes our men’s hockey correspondent.

On the card are the last two games to determine the first division title and European representation and the last games to determine relegation and promotion between divisions 1 and 2, or rather which teams will play in these divisions next season.

Western Wildcats face Grange tomorrow for the right to play Kelburne on Sunday for the domestic title.

The winner will also be Scotland’s first Euro rep, but tomorrow’s winner will also be in Europe irrespective of Sunday’s result.

The odds must favour Kelburne retaining the title, this being their second game over the two weekends, while it would be the third for Western Wildcats and the fourth for Grange in four ‘playing days’.

Grove Menzieshill recovered from drawing with Gordonians to defeat Watsonians comfortably but they still require a point against Edinburgh University to be certain of being in the top two in Relegation Pool A and so secure their place in division 1.

The task for Dundee Wanderers is clear. Beating Clydesdale, who finished four places above them in the initial league phase, is a huge ask, and even then they might complete Pool B in the bottom two, leading to a relegation play-off.

It is more likely that Wanderers will prop up Pool B and so face the third team in Pool A on Sunday — likely to be Edinburgh University — the loser to play in Division 2 next season.

By close of play on Sunday, teams in positions one to eight of Division 1 will be known, along with the other two teams to play in division 1 and the two to play in division 2 next season.

Next up for the National League teams is the round of the last 32 in the Scottish Cup on April 5 with Dundee Wanderers, Monarchs and Perthshire involved.

Grove Menzieshill and Harris have a bye into the last 16 on April 12.

Wanderers III still lead the way in Division 1 of the Midland League, three points ahead of Perthshire III with four games remaining.

That lead is likely to remain after these two play teams from the lower part of the division tomorrow, Harris III and Monarchs II.

Perthshire III have a 13-point lead over Grove Menzieshill II in Division 2, but, while the Perth side has four matches to play, the Menzieshill team still have seven matches outstanding.

Still, that is insufficient for them to make up the ground as long as the Perthshire side keep winning.

There are still a number of ‘concessions’ to be added to the tables once these are confirmed, although that should not disadvantage the teams at or near the top of the divisions.

Picture: PA. John Higgins.