Emily the Dark destroyer as Watsonians surge to top

It is now the final countdown for Watsonians who bounced back from their 4-2 weekend defeat at Edinburgh University to surge back to the top of the women’s Premiership with a 14-0 demolition of Glasgow University.

Scottish international Emily Dark (pictured playing for Scotland by Nigel Duncan) netted four and another international, Sarah Jamieson three. Katherine Holdgate and Susan Hamilton both scored two each with Katie MacCallum, Katie Stott and Beth Dodds netting singles in a thoroughly professional performance on a perfect night for hockey.

Coach Keith Smith said his squad were more like themselves for the first time since the mid-season break in their attacking play.

He added: “We created a much better quality of chance and with more frequency than was have in recent weeks.”

Watsonians now have 40 points and lead the table on goal difference. It was five before Tuesday night’s big win and now it is 19 over Edinburgh University, now their only challengers for the title.

Spare a thought, however, for plucky Glasgow who prop up the top six stuck to their task despite being deluged by wave after wave of attacks at Peffermill.

However, they stuck to their task. The girls trooped off the pitch with tired legs after giving their all and it was a confidence-sapping fourth straight defeat.

Until facing Watsonians, they had shipped only 35 goals in 14 games, now it is 49 in 15 outings.

The title will be decided on Saturday. Defending champions Watsonians host fifth-placed GHK in their final league game of the regular season at Peffermill and the Glasgow side have only recorded one win in their last five games.

Smith is almost certainly minus Scottish international defender Ellie Wilson who has a foot injury. She did not play on Tuesday.

Edinburgh University, who are now second, and have won their last five games, ttravel to third-placed Western Wildcats who are unbeaten in their last five with four wins and a draw.