October 28th Preview
NL1 – Hillhead v Inverleith
Hillhead will be looking to make it two league wins in a row on Saturday as they host pointless Inverleith. Last weekend may prove to be pivotal for Ralph’s squad as two excellent performances in league and cup breathed new lift into their faltering season, albeit they were beaten the odd goal in five by Western in the cup. The league was less closely contested with Hillhead wearing down Uddingston before running away with the match courtesy of a Graeme Campbell hat trick and a Ewan Campbell goal. The team are playing with more confidence and creating more chances than in previous weeks so will be confident of a result against a team low on confidence and points.
Prediction – Hillhead WIN
RL1 – Clydesdale 2s v Hillhead 2s
Hillhead twos face third placed Clydesdale on Saturday at Titwood. Like Hillhead, Clydesdale have had a great start to the season with four wins and a draw in their six outings. Hillhead have gone one better with five wins and one defeat. Hillhead’s only defeat came on the road away to Edinburgh University, where they were hammered by a well organised and fit student side. Captain Phillips is confident that this result was just a blip and that normal service will be resumed against the southsiders. Hillhead will need strikers Ebsworth and Gallacher on form to secure the win.
Prediction – Hillhead WIN
RL2 – NO GAME
WD1 – GHK 2s v Hillhead 4s
Despite not necessarily seeing an improvement in results, fourth team captain Gordon McIntyre Kemp is confident that some tweaks to the team tactics and personnel will be the catalyst for a mini revival in the fourth Xis stalling season. This weekend they have a tremendous opportunity to double their wins for the season against so far pointless GHK. Hillhead fours play a good brand of hockey but have to adapt to teams that play a more direct hit and hope style. If they can be more adaptable in their own playing style they will climb up the league.
Prediction – Hillhead WIN
WD2 – Hillhead 5s v Irvine 1s
Hillhead fives have an important match against second bottom Irvine on Saturday with a win potentially pushing them into the top four. A win for Irvine on the other hand would see them draw level with the fives on points. Irvine are a team with a lot of experience if not strength in depth having played for years in WD1. Hillhead will need to identify Irvine’s playmakers early on if they want to nullify Irvine’s attacking play.
Prediction – Hillhead WIN
WD3 – Helensburgh 2s v Helensburgh 6s
As seems to be the case for all matches this weekend Hillhead face a team that have the potential to leapfrog them in the league should Hillhead capitulate. Hillhead’s junior development squad have had a mixed season with two wins, two draws and two defeats a good return given the number of novice players the squad has taken in this season. Helensburgh seconds will no doubt be a tough match for the squad even more so given the high number of players unavailable due to school commitments. The sixes competitiveness will very much depend on what squad Captain Frail can pull together on the day.
Prediction – Helensburgh WIN
WD4 – Oban 1s v Hillhead 7s
In what may be a first in Hillhead history, the sevens travel up the west coast to play Oban on the grass at Taynuilt. A town famed for its freshly landed seafood and stunning scenery, a memorable trip is guaranteed should the team indulge. Results are less easy to predict with grass a real leveller with a change in playing style required to be successful on the slower and less predictable grass. Regardless of result it is great to see the men of Oban commit to playing district hockey. Well done to those travelling up to play. Have a great day!
Prediction – Hockey the winner