Auchenhowie will be a very busy place this weekend with plenty of home games on both Saturday and Sunday and every Western Wildcats team in action at least once.
The
Women's 1s are enjoying a very pleasing run of form and hopefully they will
extend this in their league and cup double-header at home to GHK and CALA.
GHK
have lost important players and have a very young side this season. They have
been performing creditably thus far but, should Wildcats fire on Saturday
(1330), we would hope that the visitors will not be able to live with our girls. CALA
are responsible for Wildcats' one poor result of the season. Their visit in the
Scottish Cup on Sunday (1600) therefore gives Kaz and the troops the opportunity for a
measure of revenge.
"We
have been playing well recently," said Kaz. "In particular, Catriona
Booth and Lucy MacArthur have been outstanding. We are scoring goals and I
expect us to keep that up and to win both games.
"We
were disappointed to lose to CALA and let three points slip in the league so I'm
determined to put that right with a win on Sunday."
The
2s got a good win at home to East Kilbride 2s last weekend and will feel that
their trip to Broomhill (1230) gives them the chance to keep the good results
coming. The 3s are developing well, in spite of some challenging results, and
another good performance on Saturday would be a further boost. They host Troon
(1500).
With their season coming nicely to the boil, the
Men's 1st Team face a big league and cup double-header this weekend. They host
Kelburne in the Scottish Cup second round on Saturday (1200) and Clydesdale in
the league on Sunday (1400).
For sure, games against Kelburne are usually
interesting. Harry said, "I'm looking forward to good game against
Kelburne on Saturday, particularly as its at home on Auchenhowie. I think we
can score some goals against them. The challenge, however, may be in
stopping Kelburne from scoring too."
He went on, "As my real focus this year is
again on achieving a top four slot and competing in the European play-offs,
this gives me the chance to see what they are doing and how they play, without
risking league points, before we play them in the league."
On current form, Sunday's visitors come to Auchenhowie
looking like serious second favourites. They have only six points from seven
games and are firmly in the relegation play-off bottom four. This would be a
foolish misreading of matters, though, as Clydesdale remain a very decent side
and one who Western will have to work hard to beat.
Harry acknowledged as much saying, "I have
to admit I am surprised by their recent results. I expected them to win at
least two of their last games, so I will not be assuming anything on Sunday as
I’m sure this will turn round for Clydesdale and they will start winning. My
job is to make sure that doesn’t start against Western."
The 2s are another side with a
home double-header. They play Helensburgh in the Reserve Plate on Saturday
(1030) in a game they should win then are back at Sunday lunchtime for the
visit of Kelburne 2s (1200). Kelburne have dominated Central 1 virtually since
the inception of the regional leagues so the recent progress of our
youngsters will be fully tested here.
Other teams on cup duty are the 3s and 4s. The 3s
face the standard issue Aberdeen trip with Granite City 3s their hosts in the
frozen wasteland of the North East (1330). Aberdeen as a sporting city is
reportedly still reeling from St Johnstone's 5-1 doing of their football team
so we expect progress from Western here. The 4s go to Uddingston 3s (1430)
for a shot on their new pitch. Uddy play in the league above Andrew Benson's
mighty fourth team warriors. However, having chewed up and spat out a
Central 1 team in the last round (on penalties after a 0-0 draw), this will
hold no fears.
The 5s are at East Kilbride 2s on league duty and
will feel that they can build on last week's 4-1 win.
With so much going on, including caterers in to add hot food to what's usually on offer, you'd be daft not to make it down to enjoy the hockey and the hospitality. Get along to Auchenhowie and support the club!