Uddingston triumph in tight plate battle

May 28 2008

MANGO Optical Uddingston hockey side retained their Scottish Plate title in a close final against Granite City Wanderers.

The Lanarkshire side clinched the game 4-2 on pentalites at Peffermill in Edinburgh, on May 17.

Although Granite City dominated the early stages of the match, it was Uddingston who had the first clear chance when they were awarded a penalty shot. However, Martin Lorimer had his shot saved by the Granite City keeper, leaving the score tied.

Stubborn defending by both teams meant neither side was able to get a real grip of the game, but the end-to-end hockey proved to be very entertaining for spectators.

Granite City finally broke the deadlock when vice-captain Andrew Todd slotted home the ball from close range. This spurred Uddingston on and after some heavy pressure, Paul Deans grabbed a well-worked equaliser from a corner.

Both teams put away their first two penalties but Granite City then missed the next two.

Uddingston, who only missed one penalty, took the plate.

Uddingston recently held their end of season awards and prizes went to: (Ladies’ section) Caitlyn Flynn, player of the year; Carla Santoni, young player of the year; Megan McCulloch, most promising player of the year; and Jacqui McDove, member of the year.

In the gents’ section Martin Lorimer was awarded player of the year with Daniel Stirling taking young player of the year. Member of the year went to Nairn Scobie.