Hockey: Wanderers’ spirit spooks the Shire

Jan 23 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perthshire 2nd XI 2

Dundee Wanderers IV 3

PERTH Hockey Club Men’s' 2nd XI recommenced their post Christmas league campaign earlier than usual.

The match saw them drawn to play at Auchterarder against close rivals Dundee Wanderers IV.

In the opening quarter of the game, Perthshire looked the rustier of the two teams and displayed difficulty with both general stick skills and retention of the ball.

Wanderers eventually capitalised on their pressure when a penalty corner move saw the ball slip across the goal line between the keeper and defender.

As the first half progressed ‘Shire’s fluency improved – John Smith was able to level the match from a pass from Duncan Stewart.

A further goal was added by Bill James early in the second half from good attacking interplay that saw Bill slot the ball home from close range, after an unselfish pass across goal from Stuart Farmer.

Wanderers continued to look dangerous and the loss of their lead spurred them into a passage of sustained pressure that culminated in an almost identical short corner to the first goal being converted into a further goal.

With the away team now in the ascendency, Perthshire lost their structure and after failing to clear their lines Wanderers scored a crucial goal in the last quarter that lead to a 3 to 2 loss for the home team.

Tomorrow, the 3rd XI kick-off the second half of the season with an away game against Madras II. Players should meet 11.45am at the Cherrybank Inn car park ready for a 1.30pm start in St Andrew's.

The 2nd XI match v St Andrew's University II has been postponed as the students are still on holiday.

The U14 Pool A team were in action last Saturday in a round-robin set of games through in Dundee.

The youngsters did well to beat Kinross and Menzieshill, but lost against Blairgowrie and Dundee Wanderers.

This Saturday it is the turn of the U14 Pool B teams where Perthshire has two sides competing.

Youth training in the Perth Academy games hall has restarted – Mondays 5–6pm for P6/P7 age group; Tuesdays 5–6pm for P4/P5 age group; Wednesdays 5–6pm P6/P7 age group and 6–7pm for S1–S4. S4 and youngsters playing senior hockey are encouraged to go to senior training as detailed above.Contact either Sandra Robertson, mini hockey co-ordinator, tel 01738 624689 or Ialene Mitchell, youth hockey convener tel 01738 630154; email: imperth@gmail.com

The club is however in need of Goalkeepers for our 10–14 year old teams, so if you are interested please get in touch with Ialene.

The Ladies section continues training in the Bell's Sports Centre every Tuesday from 7.30–9pm and with indoor matches restarting on Sunday (January 25).

The Men carry on their indoor training in the Auchterarder School games hall, each Wednesday from 7.30–9.30pm.

Any past, present and new players, male and female, old and young, are welcome to come along, simply turn up on the evening or contact Stephen Pedgrift on 01738 561833 and 07780 623354 or Tracey Greer 01738 562990 and 07867 975658.