We’ve another sizzling weekend of hockey in store as all the divisions are in action. It’s still early in the season but points are always valuable. Let’s take a look at what’s in store.
Division One only has three games this weekend but that doesn’t detract from the quality hockey on offer. Hillhead 3rd XI have made an early stamp for the title as they currently sit top of the tree. They host Clydesdale 3rd XI in what could prove a tasty affair. Both games last season only had a single goal swing either way, with each side picking up a win, so it’s anyone’s guess what way this will go. Giffnock and Western 4th XI are both without any points yet this season, so the game between them is a crucial one. The new boys Western, have found the step up to division one tough so far but this could be the turning with Giffnock out of form. The other game has Kelburne 3rd XI travelling to Hillhead 4th XI. Hillhead are still awaiting their first point too, whereas Kelburne impressed in a 3-3 draw with the district champions on the opening day of the season. Hillhead will be hoping home advantage will be the key they need.
Glasgow University 3rd XI finally hit the turf this weekend, in Division Two. Having sunk lower than they’d have liked last season, they’ll be hoping to get out the hole they’re in in division two and have a positive season. They open their campaign with a tricky tie against Hillhead 5A. It’s a tight knit division at this early stage, and with both Ayr and GHK on four points, it’s sure to be a tasty game down at Ayr Hockey Club. The two sides haven’t met on the turf since 2018 but both clubs will be aiming for a positive result on Saturday. Elsewhere, Clydesdale 4th XI host Rottenrow 2nd XI – a game that only saw one goal over two games last season, in the favour of Rottenrow. Hillhead 5B travel down to take on Dumfries, whilst Uddingston 4th XI host Greenock 2nd XI.
Only the two games in Division Three, as Hillhead 6th XI look to get back to winning ways against a much-improved Strathclyde University 2nd XI. Hillhead won both games last season, but with Hillhead still without a point this year and Strathclyde looking a better side, the result could go the other way. The other game is Kelburne 4th XI against Western 5th XI. Kelburne travel to Auchenhowie, as the two old rivals come head-to-head.
In Division Four, new side Dumfries 3rd XI will be hoping to pick up more points at home to Giffnock 2nd XI. Giffnock fared well going to Dumfries last season, but can they keep that form up. Clydesdale 5th XI are unbeaten so far this season and will be looking to continue that trend as they welcome Hillhead 8th XI to Titwood. The other game in the league has Dumfries 2nd XI travelling up to play Hillhead 7th XI. Dumfries won their trip to Hillhead last season; can they repeat that this year?
