This Saturday is all about the Men’s 1s. They welcome second placed Grange to Auchenhowie (1330) knowing that a point brings the Scottish title home for the first time since 2004.
Western have looked the part all season. At their best they play with menace, verve and pace. Even when not quite on form they have displayed the tenacity and resilience necessary to dig out results and have made a habit of determined comebacks.
Grange are not going to cough up their title without a fight, however, and are just back from three demanding EHL fixtures which finished with an impressive 3-0 victory against Austrians Post SV on Monday. They are likely to be sharp and motivated on Saturday.
Vishal said, “Grange will be in good shape coming back from the EHL. They have a good strength in depth and are very consistent - the only points they have dropped since the split was the draw against us.”
Pressed on how important it was to win the title in front of a home crowd he said, “Obviously, we want to win the game and the boys are fully focused on performing as well as possible on Saturday. That said, the most important thing is that we win the league rather than when or where we win it. The players are feeling good and we are all really looking forward to the game.”
Western are missing Adam MacKenzie senior but otherwise have a full squad.
This is not one to miss. Please get yourself down to Auchenhowie to support the boys as they aim to close out their first outdoor title in 18 years.
The 1s aren’t the only men’s team chasing a championship. The 2s play Edinburgh University 2s prior to the first team game and a win would put them within touching distance of a first regional crown since 2002. They would also appreciate your support during their game.
The 3s play Helensburgh at the club on Friday night (1930). On Saturday, the 4s are at Titwood (1200) and the 5s are at home (1630).
The Women’s 1s haven’t had their troubles to seek since the split with just one point taken so far. They are back to full strength now, though, and are determined that the visit of GHK on Saturday (1500) sees them get a win on the board. They finish their season against Hillhead on Wednesday 27th April.
Kaz makes no bones about her expectations for their final two games of the season. “We have had a positive experience in the cup and acquitted ourselves well in the semi-final against Watsonians even if we didn’t get the win we wanted,” she said. “We are determined to follow that up with six points and a top four finish.”