DUNDEE PAIR ARE IN UNEXPECTED TERRITORY

With the final round of phase one slated for completion this weekend the six teams to contest the premier league title have already been identified, writes our women’s hockey correspondent.

Clydesdale Western, Watsonians, Edinburgh University, Wildcats, GHK and Hillhead will contest the title while Grove Menzieshill and Dundee Wanderers are, for the first time in many years, in the relegation zone.

Sitting third from bottom, the Ferry outfit will not relish today’s task of halting a Watsonians side who have just been ousted from pole position by Clydesdale but still sit second in the table and averaging six goals a game. Kick-off time at Dawson Park is 2pm.

At Dalnacraig (3.30pm) Wanderers might hope to take advantage of Glasgow University falling out of the top six after making such a promising start to their campaign. However, there’s not much doubt about tomorrow’s outcome when they face a Clydesdale side who have rattled up 34 goals in their last three games.

The Stirling and St Andrews student squads should meet with success in their national league away days to Aberdeen University and Kelburne. Saints should bag an additional three points from tomorrow’s encounter with Aberdeen.

Riverside is the place to be in Championship 1. Dundee Uni entertain GHK seconds in what could prove to be an early title indicator. The St Andrews second string should claim the honours over hosts Grange 2 but Kinross are likely to find Wildcats’ second squad reluctant to be tamed.

This weekend is designated for catch-up matches in Midland leagues. St Andrews IV are at home to Wanderers seconds with Dundee Uni III crossing the river to play Madras’ young reserve squad.