GWLHC News and Announcements

Milne Craig Western lost 4-2 on penalty flicks to Bonagrass Grove after an exciting final at Peffermill finished 2-2 in normal time. Both teams played some excellent hockey with the defensive units working hard throughout. Western took the lead through an excellent solo effort from Laura Bartlett midway through the first half. A few chances to extend the lead were not converted by Western and Grove came back strongly in the second half to take the lead 2-1. In the final play of the match Clare Scott forced a corner which was converted by Laura Bartlett to take the final to penalty flicks. Grove goalkeeper, Anna Swartz was the hero with two saves earning her team the Scottish Cup.

With the 1sts going through due to a concession by Giffnock A and the 2nds beating Dunfermline Ladies 5-1, both Milne Craig Western teams are in the last 16 of the National League Cup. The next round, to be played on Sun 4th Nov, see both teams travelling to Edinburgh with the 1sts play Grange EL A and the 2nds facing CALA Edinburgh.

The Scottish Women's Team completed an unbeaten week by beating Russia 3-1 in the final of the EuroHockey Nations Trophy in Lituania on Sunday. Many congratulations to the whole squad.

For full details of the results see the EHF website
http://www.eurohockey.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1166&Itemid=239

For a team photo see
http://www.lithuania2007.zoles-riedulys.lt/teams/skotija.php

Very well done to the Scottish Women's Team who defeated Belgium 2-0 in today's semi-final at the EuroHockey Nations Trophy in Lithuania. This win secures promotion back to the top-flight European Championships. Scotland now play Russia in tomorrow's final.

Many congratulations to the Scottish Women's Team (with Western players Abi Walker, Emma Rochlin, Holly Cram, Cat Forrest and Laura Bartlett) competing in the EuroHockey Nations Trophy in Lithuania, they have won their section with fine wins over Russia, Czech Republic and Lithuania. They now face Belgium in the semis for promotion back to the European Championships and a place in the final. Best of luck to the whole sqaud.

Congratulations to Abi Walker who was named as Scottish Hockey Player of the Year for 2006-07 at the recent SHU Awards Dinner. Abi played a big part in the success of the 1st XI this season and also starred for Scotland and GB. The club wish her well next season in her quest to be selected for the GB Olympic Team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Labels: Coaching

The season is finally over.... and what a season it's been...!
Did I miss anything? Oh yes, Catriona Semple got Scottish Indoor Player of the Year

I feel so proud being part of a club with such a wealth of talented and committed players that has produced so much success this year. There is no other club in Scotland like us. This hasn't come without effort and I hope you are all proud of the individual contribution you've made towards the club's success this year and I hope you are ready to give even more next season to lift the bar even higher. I'd personally like to thank everyone who has helped during the season. At training, during Europe, behind the scenes and most recently in supporting the 1s during the Cup and European Plays Offs. Your help and support is very much appreciated. With so many victories this year, I hope you are all ready to celebrate!

Elaine has emailed you all about the club dinner which is on the 8th June where Hilary will be putting on her usual fine spread. I think the current attendee number is 62! So I'm looking forward to sharing a celebratory drink or 2 with you all there.

There is another chance for us to bask in the glory of the season at the SHU Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday 23th June 2007 at the Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Dundee. A number of us were at this last year and it was a great night. If you are interested in attending this, please email me ASAP so I can confirm number and get tables arranged. Tickets will be £24 per head provided we get full tables of 10.
Congratulations all again.
See you on the 8th Karen

Many congratulations to Catriona Semple who has been named as Scottish Indoor Player of the Year for 2007. For full details of the award see the article on the SHU website (http://www.scottish-hockey.org.uk/semplenamedasindoorplayeroftheyear.aspx)

Well done to Helen Walker, Kath Gray, Emma Rochlin, Cat Semple, and Carmin Dow who have been named in the Scotland squad for the forthcoming World Indoor Cup. The club is also represented in the management team, Gordon Shepherd is the coach and Margery Taylor is the manager. Very best of luck to you all! To follow the tournament see the official website for full details.

Glasgow En Croute Western followed up last week's Indoor League victory by winning the Scottish Indoor Cup today in Perth by defeating Bonagrass Grove in sudden-death flicks after a 1-1 draw. Western comfortable beat Bell Lawrie Grove 6-1 in the morning's semi-final and went into the final slight favourites. The game was very close with both defenses on top. Both goals came in the 1st half with Kareena Marshall completing a great team move to equalise after 15 mins. Cat Semple scored the winning flick and secured the £300 prize for the team.

Glasgow En Croute Western won their 10th Scottish Indoor League title at Perth this afternoon by defeating the defending champions Bonagrass Grove 5-4 in a pulsating deciding match.

Western, needing to win to secure the title, fell behind 1-0 early in the first half but fought back quickly to lead 3-1 at half time. Ellen Murray, Cat Semple, and Helen Walker scoring the goals. In the second half, Western extended their lead with an excellent corner from Cat Semple before Grove grabbed two quick goals. Cat Semple completed her hat-trick with a lovely reverse stick flick. Despite Grove sneaking one further goal some gutsy defending from the whole team against some late corners secured a deserved 5-4 victory and Western's first Indoor League title for several years.

Western's Laura Bartlett along with Becky Merchant and Nikki Kidd from Grove were in the GB Youth team that defeated Australia 4-2 this morning to win the Australian Youth Olympic tournament in Sydney. Well done to the whole squad!
For full report see http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/eventResults.asp?type=fixtures&section=000100010055&id=3561&txttype=results

Western member Laura Bartlett scored the 3rd of GB Youth's goals in their 3-1 win against Australia as part of the warm-up for the upcoming Australian Olympic Youth Festival. See http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/eventResults.asp?type=fixtures&section=000100010055&id=3561&txttype=report#090107
for all the news of the GB Youth teams progress.

The 2nd half of the indoor season started with Clydesdale beating Grange EL 11-1 in a solid display. The highlight was a hat-trick for Helen McNaught. In their 2nd game Clydesdale made some defensive errors to allow Kelburne lead 5-2. However, a great team effort brought the score to 6-5 ahead before Kelburne came back to make it 6-6.

Meanwhile in Vienna, the Scottish women's team (with Western members Helen Walker, Kath Gray, and Carmin Dow playing; Gordon Shepherd coaching and Marg Taylor managing) secured a silver medal in the Burlington Cup.