Midland under-18 girls going for gold

The Midland under-18 girls’ indoor squad are going for gold when they line up at Bell’ s Sports Centre for the Scottish inter-district championships at Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth today, writes our women’s hockey correspondent.

Last year’s campaign ended in the silver medal position.

With a number of the current squad growing in stature courtesy of regular participation in the senior leagues, there’ s quiet optimism they can finish one step higher this time despite the full Scottish squad having first claim on last year’s star player Charlotte-Watson.

Coach Siobhan Pen man will be looking to youth internationalists Katie S tot ta nd Emily Dark.

The Kilgraston duo have been impressive during appearances for their respective senior clubs – Grove Menzieshill and MJV Dundee Wanderers – in Scotland’s top league.

Two more of the Wanderers’ youth products, Ruth Blaikie and Kerry Nicol, are also regulars on the senior circuit along with Grove’s Sophie Pettegree, while Strathallan’s six- player contribution have already proved their collective abilities by recently scooping the Midland Schools title.

The Midland girls get their challenge up and running against South before back-to-back clashes with West and defending champions East.

Midland under-18 squad: Katie Stott, Emily Dark, Catriona Roberts (all Kilgraston); Kenna Francis (GK); Pippa Wood, Isla Gordon, Abbie Lindsay, Raina Dalrymple, Kelly Mackenzie ( all Strathallan); Ruth Blaikie and Kerry Nicol (both Grove Menzieshill).

Match schedule: 10.15am – East v West, South v Midland; 11.45am – West v Midland, South v East; 1.15pm – West v South, East v Midland.

Meanwhile, the under-18 Boys’ Indoor Inter District will also be at Bells Sports Centre today utilising both halls and in conjunction with the girls’ tournament, writes our men’s hockey correspondent.

The following will represent Midland: Sean Thomson (Monarchs); Andrew Duncan, Cameron Golden, Aidan McQuade, Jamie Golden, Jack Cross (Grove Menzieshill); Matthew White, Lewis Pyke, John Stephen (Perthshire); Tom Cole, Callum Ross and Sean Dowie (DundeeWanderers).