Sport / Huge weekend for Shetland hockey teams as semi-finals loom
The men’s team will face Clydesdale 3rd at Aberdeen Sports Village on Saturday morning at 11.15am for a maiden place in the final of the Reserve Plate.
And the ladies’ team will then take on Glasgow Accies on Sunday at 11.15am, seeking a third consecutive appearance in the District Cup final.
It is a quick turnaround for the two teams, who only won their quarter-finals last weekend.
They will both sail southwards on the ferry over the coming days as they seek to continue Shetland hockey’s stellar progress over the last five to ten years.
The Shetland ladies team won their first mainland cup competition in 2023, lifting the Scottish District Cup after a penalty flicks victory over Edinburgh University 4’s.
Later that year they ended a run of 17 straight defeats to Orkney in the inter-county by thrashing their opponents 6-0 on home soil.
And in 2024 the team made it to a second straight District Cup final, before banishing a four decade wait for a victory in Orkney in the inter-county fixture to retain the trophy.
The men’s team – which combines players from both Shetland and Orkney – was only formed in 2021 but has progressed quickly and now hopes to make its first ever cup final.
A double from Joshua MacColl helped Shetland see off Edinburgh University 6’s last weekend 2-0.
Coach Jill Hibbert has selected her squad for tomorrow’s clash with Clydesdale 3rd, which includes: Peter Sharp (C), Jack Rathbone, Finlay Simpson, Paul Hibbert, Matt Bruce, Kelvin Anderson, Morgan Reid, Harry Britton, Craig Robertson, Jack Harcus, Murray Sinclair, Sam Louttit, Joshua MacColl, Cameron Purdy, Stuart Lavender, James Morrison and Reece Thorne.
For the ladies team, Shetland coaches Derek and Brenda Leask have picked a strong selection of players who have served them well over the past few years.
Rhiannon Inkster will captain the team, and will be joined by Abbey Irvine, Aimee Keith, Alexis Robertson, Cara Leask, Catherine Irvine and Chiara MacColl.
Completing the squad are Kayleigh Irvine, Kristan Robertson, Laura Nicolson, Lynsey Morrison, Megan Grant, Megan Hibbert, Megan Nicholson, Rhea Nicolson and Sarah Williamson.
Both games will be livestreamed on the Shetland Hockey Facebook page over the weekend, with anyone in the Aberdeen area encouraged to come along and cheer the teams on.
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