Wanderers take over at top again

The national indoor league table took on a more familiar look as MJV Dundee Wanderers displaced week 1 leaders Hillhead on Sunday.

The defending champions are the only unbeaten side in the top echelon, but their grip on the title is being seriously challenged as Clydesdale Western, Edinburgh University and Grove Menzieshill lurk ominously one point off the pace.

Following a lively start, the eagerly-anticipated Dundee derby proved a damp squib.

After Jaime Lyon’s early wake-up call, Wanderers responded at speed with Ruth Blaikie (2), Emily Dark, Sam Sangster and Jess Ross on target before the interval. Dark’s second of the game extended the comfort zone to 6-1 at full-time.

The title-holders were on course to double their points tally until a late surge and an overtime penalty corner conversion proved costly against Edinburgh Uni. Blaikie (2) and Sangster netted for Wanderers with Bridie Marlow and Becky Dru claiming parity for the students.

Grove then gave their city neighbours an early Christmas present by posting a narrow win over Hillhead. Alison Glasse-Davies hit a quick-fire double in response to a single from Wendy Andrews.

The Dundee outfit bagged another three points in their third outing against CALA Edinburgh.

Jude McMullan and Katie Stott gave them the half-time edge with Lyon and Ailsa Wylie also contributing to the 4-2 victory.

Grove’s A squad won two of their three contests in division 2. MCCW’s 2s were overcome 5-1 before a 4-2 loss to Aberdeen Bon Accord. They closed with a 4-1 win over Wanderers II, who drew 3-3 with MCCW IIs.

At Forthbank Perthshire chalked up three straight wins. They edged Uddingston 5-4, thrashed Stirling Wanderers 8-0 and had a closing 5-3 victory over Granite City Wanderers.