It’s national cup semi-final weekend and we have four teams competing for a place in their respective finals.
First up are the Men’s 3s who have a high noon Peffermill appointment with Watsonians 3s. Ally Reid’s shock troops have put together a fine run of form in recent weeks, grinding out wins where they needed to and posting some healthy scores when their tails were up. Time was, the Reserve Cup seemed to be in permanent residence in Milngavie. It would be good to see the boys get the chance to bring it back for another spell under lock and key in the Auchenhowie trophy cabinet.
Next up are the 2s who play at 1400, also at Peffermill. They lost last season’s District Cup final to Edinburgh University 2s and would dearly love the chance to right that wrong. First, they must overcome Dunfermline Carnegie 2s who beat a handy Watsonians 2s on penalties in the quarter-final. Western take a strong side and come off the back of two good performances last weekend.
The action then moves from the land of the mustard corduroy to God’s own city with the two best sides in the Scottish men’s game facing off at Glasgow Green (1530). There’s barely a fag paper separating Western and Grange in the league so this should be a superb cup tie. Western are the holders but know they must be at their very best to book their spot in the Scottish Cup final on 6th May.
Vish said, “We are in a good place and the group are confident whoever we play. It’s always great to have a good cup run and we are really looking forward to the game.”
“Grange have stepped up this season but we are defending champions so we have to take that mindset into the weekend. I think the teams are pretty evenly matched but we have different strengths and weaknesses so it will be a really interesting game.”
“Key player for us is Andrew McConnell for his goals but we have attacking threats right through the team. For Grange, Duncan Riddell is a key player but they have a solid squad generally.”
Finally, the Women’s 1s are targeting their first ever Scottish Cup final appearance. They must see off Edinburgh University on Sunday at 1530. Games between the teams tend to be tight affairs and this one should be no different.
Kaz said, “Everyone is in great shape and, most importantly, we are working wonderfully as a squad. Spirits are high and the flow on the hockey pitch reflects that. We are playing with confidence and enjoying it. Edinburgh Uni have a couple of threats we need to be aware of but nothing we can’t suppress with our play.”
The Women’s 4s are at home to Kelburne 2s in the league at 1400.