LOCH Lomond Hockey Club’s first team got their new league season off to an impressive start with a 5-1 win away to recently-relegated Giffnock.

The scoreline didn’t reflect the pace of the game, as Giffnock were a good, skilful and fast team, but working well together as a team, Loch Lomond managed to score four fantastic team goals and a fifth from a short corner.

The first four goals were a delight to watch as the ball was moved unselfishly from defence to midfield and then on to the forwards, while the fantastic strikers worked tirelessly for each other and for the team.

The club were delighted to welcome back several players to the Loch Lomond family following absences due to time away at university, time on the injury list and even maternity leave!

There were excellent performances in particular by returnees Kim McCallion, who scored a hat-trick, and Kirsty Cordner and Becky Holland, who weighed in with one goal apiece.

There’s still lots for the team to work on, but lots of positives too in an overall solid team performance – suggesting a season ahead that is very much worth looking forward to.

The ‘player of the match’ prize was awarded to Kim McCallion. The runner-up was Becky Holland, and the opposition’s Loch Lomond player of the match was Vanessa Sabala.

Team: Heather Smith, Caroline Lyall, Sue Aitkman, Eve Howard, Hannah Leach, Lucy Dunlop, Kirsty Richardson, Vanesa Sabala, Becky Holland, Lauren McCreadie, Molly Macken, Kirsty Cordner, Kim McCallion, Megan Glover.

Many thanks to Andy Richardson for umpiring and coach Anne McGregor for encouragement and guidance.