We’re flying through November now, and the winter break – and the indoor season – is upon us. However, the outdoor leagues still have a few weekends left. Let’s look at what’s in store this weekend.
Western take on Hillhead in a double clash, in division one, this weekend. Western 3rd XI, last season’s champions, host Hillhead 4th XI, whilst Western 4th XI, the new boys of the league, take on Hillhead 3rd XI. Hillhead 3rd XI only sit three points off the top of the division and come up against winless Western 4th XI, so will be hoping for victory at Auchenhowie. Western 3rd have struggled to get any real form going this season and will have the tough challenge of Hillhead 4th XI. Rottenrow are the form team currently, and they will be looking to extend their run of four wins on the bounce with victory over Kelburne 3rd XI. Helensburgh host Clydesdale 3rd XI, whilst the other match see’s Giffnock take on Uddingston 3rd XI.
Ayr sit at the top of division two and are yet to lose a game this season. They welcome Glasgow University 3rd down the coast. The students have struggled for form so far this season but will be hoping to upset the form guide tomorrow. The other unbeaten side is Clydesdale 4th XI. They welcome Dumfries to Titwood. Dumfries will be buoyed after their first points on the road last week and will be hoping for similar tomorrow. The big game of the day has to be the two Hillhead sides clashing, however. 5A take on 5B – 5B will be hoping the scoring prowess of Graham Etheridge proves to the be deciding factor, as he leads the division scoring charts. The other match has Rottenrow 2nd XI hosting Uddingston 4th XI.
In division three, Kelburne 4th XI are looking a tough opponent to beat already, with a four-point lead already. However, they travel to Hillhead 6th XI tomorrow, knowing a tough test is likely. The two sides met earlier in the season, with a close fought 3-1 victory for Kelburne that day. The other game in division two has Strathclyde University 2nd XI hosting Helensburgh 2nd XI. The two sides fought for a 2-2 draw on the opening day of the season and with neither side showing much form, it could be anyone’s game.
Another all-club tie in division four as Hillhead 7th XI take on Hillhead 8th XI. The 8th team have the better record in the league but will know the experienced 7th team won’t be an easy target. Top of the table Clydesdale 5th XI will be hoping that top scorer Finlay Dunlop is on form as they welcome Dumfries 3rd XI to Titwood. They had an easy win away against Dumfries at the start of the season, but Dumfries 3rd XI have improved since then so it could be an interesting game.
