Day 1 of the finale of the Scottish Hockey National League Division 1 season taking place over this weekend at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre. Drama and excitement is guaranteed, and it’s FREE entry to all spectators!
The National Champions Trophy & highest ranked European qualification spot are up for grabs in the Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals, while Division 1 status is on the line in the Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs.
Grand Finals:
In the Men’s National League Division 1 Grand Final, Bromac Kelburne and Grange go head-to-head to determine the winners of the National Champions Trophy and qualification for the European Hockey League (EHL) in 2015/16. Both sides already have silverware in the bag this season, with Bromac Kelburne making it 11 titles on the trot in the league, while Grange have the Scottish Cup to show for their efforts this season.
Grove Menzieshill have the challenge of halting the Edinburgh University machine as it rolls into the Women’s National League Division 1 Grand Final unbeaten and with a 100% record in all league and play-off fixtures. However, the Taysiders inflicted a Scottish Cup semi-final defeat on the students last month so a tight contest may well be in the offing as both teams battle it out for the National Champions Trophy and the highest European qualification spot.
Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs:
Keeping a place in Men’s National League Division 1 is the objective both Inverleith and Dundee Wanderers have as their primary concern going into the Relegation Play-Off this weekend. The Purple Robes have to pick themselves up from the disappointment of losing to Uddingston in last weekend’s semi-final, and with Wanderers having previous for upsetting the odds in last season’s play-off decider, the tension will be mounting going into this weekend’s matches.
Kelburne Ladies will be looking to deny Inverleith Ladies a place in Division 1 next season by winning the Women’s Promotion/Relegation Play-Off and retaining their top level status. Both sides were narrowly edged out in last weekend’s semi-finals so a hard-fought dual may well be on the cards.
Format & Schedule:
Each match will take place over two legs (today and tomorrow) at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.
The team with the highest aggregate score over two legs in the Grand Final will win the National Champions Trophy and highest ranked European qualification spot*.
The team with the lowest aggregate score over two legs in the Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs will play in Division 2 in season 2015/16.
Today’s timetable:-
11.00 Inverleith Ladies v Kelburne Ladies – 1st leg, play-off to stay in Women’s National League Division 1
13.00 Dundee Wanderers v Inverleith – 1st leg, play-off to stay in Men’s National League Division 1
15.00 Grove Menzieshill v Edinburgh University – 1st leg, Women’s Grand Final
17.00 Grange v Bromac Kelburne – 1st leg, Men’s Grand Final
Action at Glasgow Hockey National Centre from 11.00am. Free entry for all spectators.
Photo: Duncolm Sports Photography