Men’s hockey – Edinburgh seek weekend win double

Edinburgh University are the form team with five wins and draw in February and coach Graham Moodie believes the students have enjoyed a great start to the second-half of the season.

They have exciting week ahead starting with Clydesdale on Saturday at 4pm at Peffermill). They then play a Scottish Cup, quarter-final at Aberdeen Standard Gordonians on Sunday.

And the weekend double-header is followed by a British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Trophy semi-final – a competition they won last year – away to Cambridge University on Wednesday.

In addidtion, Moodie said that the students look to have secured second spot in the BUCS North Premier League.

He added: “With a draw against Western and three points last week against Watsonians we have given ourselves a fighting chance of chasing fourth spot in the league.

“And we are very much looking forward to the challenge of Clydesdale on Saturday.

“We lost 2-1 to them earlier in the season in a very tight game and hope we can turn this round on Saturday although we are well aware of Clydesdale’s threats.”

Edinburgh University have a two of injury doubts but Moodie hopes they come through a late fitness check allowing the club to be at full-strength on Saturday.

Champions Grange have a run of four home games which could consolidate their position at the top of the Division One table.

The Fettes College-based club host city rivals Watsonians today (SAT, 11am).
Then they are at home to Edinburgh University on March 9 (11am), followed by Clydesdale on March 16 (11.00) and Hillhead on March 23.

Their final league fixture of the regular season is on March 30 at Grove Menzieshill, one of their main challengers for the title. Grove are currently third with 26 points from 13 outings.

Coach David Knipe has guided Grange to 33 points so far in the defence of the title.

Their unbeaten record includes ten wins and three draws while Watsonians are eighth in the table with 14 points from 13 outings having won four and drawn two of their games.

Grange have claimed 49 goals and lost 15 while Saturday’s opposition have scored 30 and shipped 37.

The other fixtures are Kelburne v Grove Menzieshill (13.30), Hillhead v Western Wildcats (15.00) and bottom club Aberdeen Standard Gordonians, who have yet to pick up a point, at home to Uddingston (15.30).