Sonians down students

A bright spring morning greeted Watsonians as they arrived bright eyed and bushied tailed to the 9:15 am meet at Myreside. William Butler expressed quite how warm it was walking from Morningside to Myreside whilst wearing a thermal under top, Butler decided it was surplus to requirements, the other boys were intrigued by his findings. Beachy was surprisingly reserved for his favorite time of the morning, this possibly could be attributed to the grievous assault caused in the previous meeting between St Andrews and Watsonians. Police are still hunting for the reprobate involved in the unprovoked attack.

It seemed the University hockey club were in a rush to complete their fixtures having played 4 games in the last seven days in an attempt to complete their matches before they disband for an upcoming reading week. It seemed this ploy had not worked in their favour drawing 3 and losing their last game against Inverleith. Watsonians were there to take another 3 points from the home side.

The journey to the home of golf was a pleasant one especially when accompanied by Watsonians bridge fact extraordinaire, Blaire Wynd. After learning many facts about the different forth crossings structures the talk changed to our opposition and in particular the self proclaimed “Fortress” astro. The pitch of Scotland's first university, Founded in the fifteenth century, is renowned worldwide for being the worst pitch in Scottish hockey. Hopefully a replacement is scheduled within the Universities Sports facilities redevelopment plans.

Thursday training and last Sunday’s hard fought match remained clear within the minds of Watsonians firsts. Process was key to victory. A rousing speech from captain McCurdy set up a full strength Watsonians team for the start of the match.

Both sides began brightly, with positive spells of play but all eventually coming to nothing. A large crowd was drawn as St Andrews were having an Alumni weekend with a dinner dance later that night. Perhaps Watsonian’s oppositions minds were on what was to come later in the day as Watsonians took the lead inside 10 minutes with a well worked break away. A strong St Andrews attack was thwarted by a superb tackle by the impenetrable defensive four, the ball was moved quickly up the pitch through the midfield to the awaiting forward line positioned where exactly where captain McCurdy had stipulated pre match. An eye of the needle ball from Swann, to recent signing MJ, culminated with the ball in the back of the goal. Special thanks must be given to the St Andrew’s keeper who’s left glove played a pivotal role in finally netting the ball. St Andrews fought back valiantly with a low and hard short corner hit finding Watsonian’s backboard. Both teams pushed into 6th gear with the two teams playing some very exciting, fast paced, attacking hockey. A mazing run by Beatie across the pitch from his favoured right hand side left Fraser-Harris unmarked. The ball slipped into him was miss-controlled, no matter however as poaching striker McKenna latched onto the ball to finish the move off. Watsonians pushed further ahead again only moments later with another break away goal. A quick forward transfer of the ball up the pitch left MJ with a shot against goal. His shot forced a save from the goalkeeper however the keepers outstretched leg only pushed the ball as far as young team boy Swann who’s reverse sent the ball thudding against the backboard. The crowd remained in stunned silence. Watsons remained calm and composed, supressing the quick St Andrews forwards with some impressive one on one challenges from the likes of Hollis and his defensive team. This strong defensive performance was rewarded with another goal from the away side: A pin point ball across the D from Dr McCrossan was finished with surgical precession from recently returned honeymooner Fraser-Harris. His diving finish, sliding under the flailing opposition keeper. My thoughts are with Andrew’s knees epidermal layer which is currently still in Fife. St Andrews second was dubious. A fast break left a one on one with Hollis who’s brilliant tackle at the top of the D stopped the ball dead however it was deemed by the umpire to be a foul and a penalty flick was given. A well placed flick was sent past Campbell’s right.

Half time St Andrew’s University 2 – 4 Watsonians

The half time team talk consisted of tightening up the defensive marking and keeping up the good work elsewhere on the pitch. This became a reality during the second half where the majority of the game remained in the middle of the pitch. Good chances were produced by both sides, forcing some brilliant saves by each keeper. Watsonians final goal came from a good individual dribble from Sands who slipped the ball to the top of the D for an unmarked Sutherland to close his eyes, hope for the best and hit the ball at the goal. Thankfully he was so close to the goal itself his flat hit went past the keeper before the St Andrew’s player could even set himself for the shot. Watsonians weathered a storm of attacks, with the midfield and defense working overtime to prevent St Andrews entering the maroon D. The final whistle went, the so called fortress was beaten. Another three points for Watsonians.

A quick stop off at the South Queensferry golden arches allowed Watsonians to refuel and vote for Man of the Match & Dick of the Day. Hollis won Man of the Match for an outstanding tackling performance at the back while Swanny hammered the last nail in the coffin for himself by taking a tight Dick of the Day vote between himself, Beatie for his post match wear and McKenna for his card worthy tackling, out of the question by voting for himself for Man of the Match.

Watsonians continue their title run, only Glasgow Uni, Stepps, Greenock, Granite City stand between them and immediate promotion to National 1.

Final score: St Andrews University 2 –Watsonians 5
Scorers: Johnstone 1, McKenna 1, Swann 1, Fraser-Harris 1, Sutherland 1.

Man of the Match: Lyam Hollis
Dick of the Day: Ewan Swann