Watsonians go straight to the top

Watsonians slipped into pole position in the women’s first division with a 3-1 victory over Hillhead on the opening day of competition, aided by champions Edinburgh University’s day off and title challengers Clydesdale Western and Grove Menzieshill both dropping points, writes Craig Madden.

Lucy Lanigan put the Edinburgh side in front in only 14 seconds but it was one each by the interval. Watsonians stepped it up in the second half and took the three points with strikes from Heather Tait and Kate Moffat.

Clydesdale’s clash with Wildcats at Auchenhowie saw Wildcats the more positive side in the first half and deservedly taking the lead through a penalty corner strike by Catriona Booth.

Within four minutes of the restart Clydesdale were level with a brilliant deflection by Lexi Sabatelli before Heather Howie gave them the lead from a penalty corner. Wildcats dug deep, however, and Emily Powell scored from close range for a 2-2 finish.

Dundee Wanderers disposed of Grove 3-1 in the Tayside derby to share top spot. Wanderers marched into a three-goal lead through Charlotte Watson, Heather Elder and Michaela Mccarthy. A deflection by Lucy Smith pulled one back for Grove.