It's been a while coming but, after a few near misses, our Women's 1s finally recorded a victory over reigning champions Edinburgh University. The scores were tied at 2-2 with five minutes remaining when Kate Holmes powered home a penalty corner to take the three points back to Auchenhowie. Our girls are now just two points behind the students with six games remaining.
Kaz was buzzing after the game. "It was an excellent team performance from start to finish," she said. "The girls played really well and we deserved to win. I'm delighted with the result and the performance."
Unfortunately, their male counterparts were unable to pull off the same trick. They dominated the opening spell of their game against Uni but, having missed a penalty, went a goal down. Rob Harwood produced an excellent equaliser but they couldn't find a winner.
"We played as individuals," said James afterwards. "We had worked on a plan to deal with their press all week but didn't execute it on the day which is the most disappointing thing."
After Grange's win over Uddingston, Western are now six points behind with an inferior goal difference. First place looks increasingly unlikely and with Menzieshill just a point behind in third, the boys still have work to do to guarantee second.
The 2s played some very good hockey in their 6-4 defeat to Watsonians. The scores were tied at 3-3 when Watsons scored three in five minutes to kill the game off. Amit took succour from the performance, though, saying, "I've lost other games and been a lot less happy than that. We played well but their finishing was clinical."
The 3s and 4s both won. The 3s smashed Glasgow University 3s 10-1 with goals from Barry Kane (4), Roddy MacCallum (3), Glenn Anderson (2) and Dave Rickards. The 4s sneaked home 2-1 against second place Uddingston 5s.
Awards for outstanding service go to both Marcus Williams and Robbie Robertson. Marcus donned the pads for the first ever time in senior hockey and played for both the 3s and the 4s as each was missing their usual keeper. Robbie also featured in both games, this time as umpire. As one wise third team player observed, "Not all heroes wear capes."