Competitive hockey is back with a bang this Saturday with every senior side in action.
first up in our Auchenhowie double-bill are our all-conquering Men’s 1s (1330). Unbeaten on home soil last season, they welcome an Uddingston side who are in something of a transitional phase. Western picked up Uddingston and Scotland U21 star AJ Lochrin over the summer as well as the experienced Jack MacKenzie and have the retention of the league title firmly in their sights.
Vish said, “Obviously winning the Premiership again is the aim. It won’t be easy as both Edinburgh University and Grange have strengthened but I know the boys are up to the challenge.”
“We’ve picked up two good players in Jack and AJ but Andrew Webb and Owen Jenkins-Garcia have left while Niall Sommerville and Scott Menzies have stepped down from the 1s. In the medium term we are missing Hamish Galt with a broken wrist plus Johnny Christie and Calum Duke are carrying short term injuries.”
“Pre-season was a bit disjointed with the seniors and U21 national teams having such a heavy summer. We are, of course, looking forward to Saturday. Friendlies are fine but you are always happier when the competitive games start!”
There are plenty of changes in our Women’s 1st Team with Adam McInnes coming on board as coach alongside Kaz and a fair turnover of players. They at home to Dundee Wanderers (1500) on Saturday.
Kaz said, “Pre-season has been really good. Adam brings a different style to our game and the friendlies against GHK and Hillhead saw us comfortable winners.”
“We’ve lost a number of players who have left Glasgow to go to university. However, we’ve gained Mhairi McGregor and Heather Elder from Uddingston and Lucy Findlay and Emma McDiarmid are back which is great.”
“As always, we are aiming to be the best and we definitely have the squad to do that. We’re confident we can start with three points on Saturday.”
The action at Auchenhowie begins at 1030 with the Men’s 3s’ game against Rottenrow. These are often entertaining, competitive encounters so it’s worth getting down early if you can. At 1200 the Men’s 2s play Hillhead 2s. Again, these games are often exciting for the spectator, especially given the wealth of young talent our second string are carrying right now. Well worth catching if you can.
The Women’s 2s have to wait until 1630 to open their Championship season against Falkirk.
Away from HQ, the Men’s 4s play their opening West 2 fixture at Eastwood High against Giffnock (1330). Having terrorised the bottom division for the past couple of seasons, it will be interesting to see how they deal with the step up. The 5s play Hillhead 6s.
The Women’s 3s are going doon the watter to play Arran in Broddick in what must be the most picturesque game of the day while history is made at Glasgow Green at 1615 as, for the first time ever, a Western Wildcats Women’s 4th Team takes the field in a competitive fixture. Kelburne 3s are their opponents.
Enjoy the day, everyone, and the best of luck to all our teams.