The West District outdoor leagues start again tomorrow and we’re all here for it! It’s going to be an exciting day with players, coaches, umpires and fans all involved. Who do you think will win?
In division one we have some enticing games. Two champions come together at the National Hockey Centre as the West District champions, Western 3rd XI, take on the division two champions, Kelburne 3rd XI. The two teams are steeped in history, with both having been champions of the district on several occasions. The two sides did meet last season in the George Black Trophy, with Western winning that encounter 5-1. Elsewhere, new boy’s Western 4th XI will be heading ‘doon the water’ to Helensburgh, as they play their first game in the top division for a number of years. The other two matches see Hillhead 4th XI host Rottenrow, and Hillhead 3rd XI travel to Uddingston 3rd XI.
The two division one sides of last season face off in the opening game of division two, as Dumfries host GHK. Two clubs with plenty to prove after less than fortunate seasons last year. This could be a big clash! The other new team in the division, Greenock 2nd XI, take on Clydesdale 4th XI at Titwood. This will give Greenock their first taste of division two hockey, and Clydesdale won’t be pushovers for the high-flying Greenock side. Elsewhere, Rottenrow 2nd XI will host Ayr, whilst Uddingston 4th XI take on Hillhead 5A.
Division three has some enticing games on display with last seasons relegated side, Helensburgh 2nd XI facing up against the students of Strathclyde University 2nd XI. Both sides will be looking for improved seasons on last year, with the Uni side keen for promotion, and Helensburgh keen on consolidation after last reasons relegation. Uddingston 5th XI will host Anchor through in Uddingston, with both teams eager to get off to a good start. This game had some flare in it last season, with some heated play throughout. Anchor edged that close affair 3-2. The other game in the league sees Hillhead 6th XI travel to the National Hockey Centre to take on Kelburne.
A couple of firsts in division four, as Dumfries 3rd XI and Hillhead 8th XI both take to the field for the first time in the division. It’s a history day for Hillhead, who have nine teams now competing across Scottish Hockey – seven in the district. The big match will of course be Hillhead 8th XI against Hillhead 7th XI. Dumfries 3rd XI start life against Clydesdale 5th XI at the King George V playing fields, a team who they know well after a couple of friendlies in pre-season against them. The other game in the division is Helensburgh 3rd XI against Giffnock 2nd XI.
