After some tense opening games, the play-offs reach their conclusion this weekend with the fortunes of our first teams still very much in the balance.
The Women's 1s are still focused on avoiding a relegation crossover but must rely on Kelburne to beat GHK as well as getting three points themselves against Gordonians at Forthbank (1200). The way things are in this close group, goal difference could very likely come into play so Wildcats will aim to win well against the Aberdonians. If things go their way they will play-off for seventh place on Sunday. If not, they will go into in an all-or-nothing relegation match, probably against Grange. Our girls have played well without quite catching a break so far. Let's hope this Saturday is where it comes good for them.
The Men's 1s are at Glasgow Green against Grange (1730) on Saturday with the winner gauranteed a place both in Europe and in Sunday's Grand Final against favourites Kelburne. Having put in one of their best performances of the season the other week when they cuffed Grange 5-2 at Auchenhowie they will feel that they have the beating of them. However, the Chaps are rarely so poor and this Saturday's game is unlikely to be so straightforward. Western did enough to see off Hillhead at the weekend without quite hitting the heights while Grange just beat the same team 2-1 in the second-bite game so, on paper, this will be close.
Harry acknowledged the significance of the game saying, "It is hugely important for Western to beat Grange on Saturday and qualify for the Grand Final. This would put Western back into European competition, so makes it the most important game of the season."
"I have a very confident, focused group currently. However you can never be sure of a result when playing a team as good and as experienced as Grange. If intensity at training is any judge, we hope for a good weekend."
The 2s are at home to Kelburne 2s (1400). Kelburne are chasing the title - although they are relying on Grange 2s to slip up in their final league fixture - and will not be in the mood to go easy on this wildly inconsistent Western team. The home side only secured Central 1 status last Saturday, giving Stepps a 6-1 doing in the process. Hopefully this will give them the confidence to take points this weekend.
The 3s are away to Motherwell 3s on Saturday and at home to Hillhead 3s on Sunday. Neither game will be easy but Western are having a very decent season and can still come second top of West District Division 1 if they take a few points from their remaining games. The 4s and 5s are other teams quietly having very reasonable seasons and each have winnable fixtures this Saturday. The 4s are at home to EK/Avondale (1200) while the 5s are at Titwood to play Clydesdale 5s (1400).