With the 2024-25 season due to start this Saturday, we’re looking at each division and who’s competing in it!
As always, the big one is winning Division one. The winner is crowned the West District: District Champion. With ten teams competing, including two sides promoted from division two, it’s going to be another great season of hockey in the West District.
Clydesdale 3rd XI haven’t finished in top spot since 2016-17 season, however two third placed finishes in the last two seasons could suggest a push for the title this year. The team has a real blend of youth and experience in it, with players keen to show they have what it takes at this level. There is no doubt that they will be on the push for the title. After promotion last season, Giffnock had an impressive first season back in the topflight of west district hockey. They finished in fifth place and will be keen to push higher than that this year. Helensburgh had a difficult season last year, with it going right down to the wire. They won their last game of the season which assured them of division one hockey this season. It could be another difficult year for them, but they will be looking up the league rather than down.
Hillhead 3rd XI were in the running for the league title most of last season, but dropped off as they season came to close. They finished in fourth in the end but have the quality to win the title. Several players will still be in the team from the 2021-22 season, when they last won the division, and they will be keen to replicate that. Another of last seasons promoted sides, Hillhead 4th XI, had an excellent season last year and will be aiming to copy that again. Finishing in sixth place, comfortably ahead of the bottom four, they will be looking for another competitive season in the top division. Kelburne 3rd XI have had plenty of success in the West District, with three league titles to their name. However, last season they dropped out of division one. They had a near perfect season in division two, though, and find themselves straight back up with a point to prove. They will be keen to fighting amongst the top teams this season.
Rottenrow pushed the title race all the way last season, with some excellent hockey and good results, but they fell short at the last hurdle, finishing in second place. The club do have history in the West District, having won the title back in 2012-13, and they will be eager to repeat that success this coming season. Uddingston 3rd XI had a poor season last year, by their standards. They were district champions in 2022-23 but were drawn into a relegation battle last season. Safety was achieved with a few games to go and they will be keen to avoid that again this year, with an aim to finish at the top always on the cards. Last season’s district champions, Western 3rd XI, will be looking to do it all over again – and who will stop them? A team full of experience, and they just seem to be getting stronger. With all the other teams gunning for their title, however, it won’t be an easy season. Western’s 4th XI have also joined the top division, after finishing second in division two last season. They will be eager to prove they have what it takes to compete amongst the top west district teams this season.
