Weekend Preview - 01/09/18
Despite the 1st XI season opener being postponed until the 8th September we have a tremendous amount of hockey on show this weekend. The good news is that they are all home matches – with three games at Old Anniesland and one game at Jordanhill.
5th XI – 12.30pm – Old Anniesland (Sand)
In the early push back the 5th XI get the day started with a friendly against Giffnock 2s at Old Anniesland. There will be a few rising stars of Hillhead hockey on show alongside several Hillhead stalwarts. This blend of youth and experience poses an exciting prospect for the season ahead.
3rd XI – 2pm – Old Anniesland (Sand)
Up next are the 3rd XI who take on Western Wildcats, Alan Meikle and Andy Maclaine bring vast amounts of experience to this side containing the likes of Joe Wadsworth and Matthew Craig who were outstanding for the U15s in the recent Glasgow Generations Cup triumph. Jonny Duke will captain the threes again this year and will surely be looking to challenge at the top of the division once the season kicks off. This will be a great test of character for the boys as they look to set the bar high for the season ahead.
4th XI – 3pm – Jordanhill
Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp retains a largely similar squad from last year for this weekends match against Giffnock 1s at Jordanhill. The 4th XI played some brilliant hockey but struggled to see out matches that on reflection they should have been looking to take maximum points from. The future is bright however, with everyone a season wiser and training turnout ever improving, the 4th XI will be looking to score big points this year.
2nd XI – 3pm – GHK (Water)
The 2nd XI kick off their league season against local rivals Western Wildcats. Last season saw the 2nd XI capture their first ever Regional League 1 title in a nerve-racking race. We caught up with new captains Mark Campbell and Andrew McGucken for a brief insight into what to expect in the upcoming season.
HH – First of all, many thanks for taking on the captaincy, can you tell us how has preseason gone?
MC – A good couple of friendlies have highlighted the competition we have for places this year, setting the stage for an exciting season.
AMcG – Good. Lots of new faces have joined the club and competition for places is higher than ever which will hopefully propel us to match and improve last seasons performance.
HH – How are the new faces fitting in, what do they add to an already strong squad?
MC – Even the league champions need to look to improve, and the new recruits are already settling into the squad and making our selections tough – a nice problem to have.
AMcG – We have gained a rich smorgasbord of talent. Some are new to the club and some are just new to the 2s. This will add greater strength and depth to the squad and allow us to reach this seasons objective.
HH – What will you look to improve on over last year?
MC – With Craig Hilton joining the 2s as player/coach it gives us a real chance to make those marginal gains in both our defensive and offensive execution that will turn those close games into wins and keep us in the hunt to retain the title.
AMcG – Difficult to find faults in what was ultimately a successful season for the 2s. We hope to maintain the high standards we set last season and try to ensure Colin doesn’t lose any equipment this year.
HH – How do you feel about starting off against local rivals Western Wildcats?
MC – I’ve never lost to Western 2s and I certainly don’t intend to on Saturday. Bring it on. #DerbyDay
AMcG – Always nice to play a local rival as it adds something extra to the game. And in the infamous words of Kevin Keegan “I would love it if we beat them, love it”
HH – Finally, what is the aim for this season?
MC – Play great hockey, make training as fun as the games, embrace the grind and secure back to back titles.
AMcG – To play entertaining hockey, to maintain the good atmosphere about the squad and maintain the momentum from last year! Hopefully we will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.
HH – Thank you for your time guys, good luck on Saturday!