Sport / ‘We’re determined to do Shetland proud’ – hockey team eager to lift District Cup again
SHETLAND’S female hockey stars will look to wrestle the Scottish District Cup back into their grasp for a second time in three years this weekend.
For the third year in a row the blues will head to Glasgow to contest the final, and for a third year running they will meet a side from the capital in their bid for glory.
Their opponents this Sunday are Edinburgh Hockey 2’s, who deposed holders Edinburgh University 4’s – Shetland’s conquerors last year – in the semi-finals.
Shetland joint coach Derek Leask said earlier this month he did not know too much about their cup final opposition, but added his team would go out to take the game to them.
“We’re an offensive side, so we’ll try to cause them problems and attack them,” he said.
“The team have enough about them now that when things aren’t going their way, they found a solution.
“Let them worry about us.”
Leask said this week his team had been “putting in the hard yards in training”, and had “benefited hugely” from a string of “friendly but competitive” matches against the men’s team in recent weeks.
“Their support has been invaluable and we’re really grateful for it,” he said.
“We’re heading south with a strong squad and a positive mindset.
“Whatever the result, we’re determined to do Shetland proud.”
They earned a place in the last two with a superb 4-1 victory over West of Scotland division one champions Glasgow Accies, a result Leask called one of the best Shetland had produced in his and wife Brenda Leask’s time in charge.
Now they will face the East of Scotland champions Edinburgh Hockey 2’s to try and lift the trophy they last won in 2023.
Leask said it will be a “great accolade if we can beat them”.
Passback in the Scottish District Cup final between Shetland and Edinburgh Hockey 2’s is at 12 noon at Glasgow’s national hockey stadium.
Supporters can watch the game live via a professional Scottish Hockey stream, with commentary, with details available here.
The Noost Bar is also expected to host a watch party for those looking to cheer the blues on with a drink in their hand.
The Shetland squad for Sunday’s game is as follows: Megan Nicholson (GK), Megan Hibbert, Chiara MacColl, Lynsey Morrison, Alexis Robertson, Rhiannon Inkster-Smith (captain), Sarah Williamson, Kristan Robertson, Cara Leask, Rhea Nicolson, Aimee Keith, Megan Grant, Kayleigh Irvine, Abbey Arthur, Laura Nicolson, Catherine Irvine and Nicola Balfour.
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