With the disappointment immediately following Saturday’s draw now having given way to more measured analysis of the situation the Men’s 1st Team find themselves in, it’s apparent that very little has actually changed. Western must win their remaining six league fixtures, starting with Grange at home on Saturday, and rely on someone – most likely Clydesdale or Menzieshill – to do them a favour and beat the Edinburgh side between now and the end of the season. True, Grange have a superior goal difference but with what does look a relatively forgiving run-in, there should be opportunities to overhaul that.
All very well in theory. More challenging, perhaps, in practice. What is certain is the need for three points at Auchenhowie this Saturday (1400). Anything less and the championship is as good as finished.
“It’s really up to the players and how they perform,” said James. “If they play well then there’s no reason why we won’t win. Games against Grange are always close. I’d anticipate us having a decent share of possession and if we use that properly and do the things we work on in training then we’ll win the game.”
The girls are on a high after their historic victory over Edinburgh University. Grange’s women’s side are not as powerful a force as the men and sit bottom of Division 1 with just a single point. Wildcats took their quota of Scottish internationalists to five with the debut of McKenzie Bell against Italy on Monday and really should have too much for the visitors in their game (1530).
Yet another fixture against Grange sees the respective Men’s 2nd Teams meeting in Central 1 at Fettes. The 2s results have taken a bit of a nosedive following a very strong start but Grange are only three points above them and Western beat the Edinburgh side at Auchenhowie back in the Autumn so an away win is perfectly possible.
The Women’s 2s are at home to Troon (1100) and this one has the look of a mid-table battle. The 3s are on after them against Rottenrow 2s (1230). This could be a challenge for our girls as Rottenrow are going well in second.
The Men’s 3s seem to have got themselves into something of a title race – more by accident than design you would have to say – and play second placed Strathclyde University 2s at Millerston (1400). The 4s’ terrific season continues with an away fixture to Oban.
There’s a superb card of hockey on at Auchenhowie this Saturday. Get along and support the club if you can.