Western Wildcats Hockey Club

Last weekend saw the Under the annual Inter-District tournament at Peffermill. An inexperienced West U16 team lost the first game of their group against Midlands ensuring no margin for error in their further 3 group matches. Comfortable wins and clean sheets secured by Western Goalie Ash against Highlands and North effectively set up a semi final against East District. Despite going down early and having Ash sent off, the Under 16's rallied to win the game and advance to the final. The final saw Ash turn from semi final sinner to cup final hero. Having gone 4 goals down in the first half West produced a stirring comeback to force a draw and penalty flicks. Step forward Ash. A crucial save from the fourth stroke lead to a premature celebration. Once composed the boys scored the final flick to complete a memroble fight back.

The U18 team included 5 Western players. Initially only the impressive Rhury Smith made the starting XI, however excellent work rate from Ross Hickey and composure from Ross Clunie saw them fight their way into the starting XI for the crucial games on Sunday. Goals from Ross Hickey and Rhury Smith were not able to prevent a defeat against East on Saturday afternoon. This left a must-win game against North. Thankfully North are not the powerhouse that they once were and a 6-0 victory saw excellent contributions from both Euan O'Neil and Lawrence Redford. The final was an impressive match between West and East where both teams attained a level of Hockey that they could be very proud of. The hard-working Ross Hickey played an important role in West taking a deserved lead, despite further pressure The East came back into the game with an impressive equaliser from rugby legend Scott Hastings' son. The final ten minutes saw West play with only ten men but this handicap did not stop them taking the game to East. An Archie Gemmill style run by Rhury Smith saw him cutting in from the right, beating 3 players and placing his reverse stick shot past the goalie but it agonisingly found the post. Like the Under 16 final PF's would decide the winner. The West keeper saved the 1st PF and the strikers expertly scored all 5 pens.

Another double by the West confirmed that Junior hockey in the district is in rude health. It was great to see 5 players in the Under 18 squad by we must work hard to ensure greater representation at Under 16 level.