The University of Edinburgh will play host this season’s first Women’s Game of the Week as last season’s Division 1 toppers come to the capital to face Playoff and Scottish Cup champions, The University of Edinburgh.
Saint Mirren will travel carrying a spring in their step following last weeks result over West Lothian Wolves which finished 94-36. To add to this confidence, St Mirren will carry the fact that they only lost a single game last season in the SBC League, bettering Edinburgh University’s record by 4 wins.
On the other side of the court, Edinburgh will be boasting an all new – albeit younger – line up after losing a large quantity of senior players who move on. New head coach Donnie MacDonald acknowledges the young line up and the need for rebuilding, saying:
“It’s going to be a tough game for us to open the season. We only have 4 players returning from last year’s playoff and cup winning team, and only 2 of them available for the first game due to injury and availability, so we will be young and inexperienced, but we will look to build over the course of the season.”
Everyone knows how strong St Mirren were last season in the Division 1, boasting an impressive Cup and League run, topping the Division 1 table, MacDonald admits:
“St Mirren will be strong – they had a great season last year and opened this season up well last weekend. Our aim is to compete and start putting the principles we have worked on in preseason into action this weekend.”
This seasons rebuild will show what the squad are really made of, reaching their potential is the goal for MacDonald. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. No better way for Edinburgh University to start of their season –
“The potential in our team is fantastic and this should be a great challenge for us.”
St Mirren Head coach Chris Cleary told us how continuing to progress is the key, from last season and last week:
“The squad have worked hard over the summer to build on what we achieved last season. After a good performance and a win last weekend, we are preparing for a tough match against Edinburgh University on Saturday.”
This clash will be at Edinburgh University’s sport facility, Pleasance on the 8th September, with a 15:50 tip, make sure to head along and see this clash of the giants!
