Smith strike wins points for Grove

A match-winning strike by Lucy Smith sent Edinburgh University IIS back to the capital empty handed while also sustaining Grove Menzieshill IIS healthy midtable position in Championship League 1, writes our women’s hockey correspondent.

Stirling University also tasted unexpected success with a 3-1 win over Watsonians II, the downside being they made no headway in closing the gap since third-bottom Waverley Inveresk Trinity posted a win to maintain the existing ninepoint gap.

All three Tayside representatives were on the back foot in Championship 2.

Kinross were leading Kelburne II courtesy of Lynn Jack (2) and Catherine Wray, but the Paisley outfit staged a late smash-and-grab to steal victory at 4-3.

Perthshire were under strength for their visit to St Andrews University II, consequently Zoe Morton’s consolation was the only response to a nap hand for the students.

At Riverside, Dundee University II found themselves under the cosh from promotion-seeking Uddingston, who ran in a round dozen with no replies.

Madras’ Midland Division 1 perfect record remains intact, Tara Pollock, Susan Jackson and Jade Milne clinching a 3-0 win over Wanderers II, which took the St Andreans’ goal difference to an impressive 34 for and one against.

Louise Nixon (3) and Emma Forrest kept Blairgowrie’s challenge alive in their 4-2 result over St Andrews III.

Kinross II are next in line, with Wendy Marshall and Wendy Symington on target, while keeper Grace Reid restricted Dundee University III to a single counter.

The local students also lost 2-1 in midweek with Ashleigh Leslie and Lizzy Baxter sealing victory for Brechin Thistles.

Grove Menzieshill’s third string are cantering towards the Division 2 title, a double for Eleanor Greenwood nailing the points against St Andrews IV.

Monarchs took full advantage against short-handed Perthshire III with Lisa Brunton (2), Diane Pedgrift and Nic Tisdall hitting the target, while Rosie Morris replied with a brace for Shire.

Madras II picked up a second win in their debut season when Kirsty Douglas (2) Mairi Mcadam (2), Olivia Cromar and Emma Malcolm took their chances against St Andrews Vs.

Ruth Gamble and Kirsty Jefferies fired Wanderers reserves into round two of the KO Cup, while Diane Pedgrift was on the mark for Monarchs who head into the KO Plate.