LOCH Lomond Hockey Club’s first team saw their unbeaten start to life in the West District’s top flight ended after a slightly unfortunate 1-0 defeat at home to Clydesdale Western IV last Saturday.

The Loch Lomond squad knew that the league leaders’ visit to Hermitage Academy would be their biggest test since winning promotion to the first division at the end of last season – and the match was played at a cracking pace, with possession equally shared between the two teams.

Play swung from end to end as both teams probed and tested the opposition’s defences, while both keepers were tested and had to make a number of saves to keep the match level at half time.

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Loch Lomond gave a good account of themselves and were not fazed at all by their opposition.

However, it was the visitors who managed to break the deadlock midway through the second half after good movement and an excellent strike which gave the Loch Lomond keeper no chance.

The home side really went for broke after the match restarted and had a good spell of pressure but somehow, they just could not make this count and no chances were converted.

Despite the defeat, and the end of their unbeaten league run, Loch Lomond nonetheless showed they can compete with the best the first division can throw at them – and will go forward to their next match knowing they are equal to any challenges this division may throw at them.

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Fiona Thompson won the Loch Lomond player of the match awards from both her own team and from the opposition in recognition of an outstanding display; Loch Lomond’s own runner-up for the accolade was Vanesa Sabala.

Squad: Elaine Brown, Sue Aikman, Zoe Canty, Vicki Perry, Fiona Thompson, Eliza Ritchie, Vanesa Sabala, Kirsten Bruce, Heather Cullen, Molly Macken, Kirsty Cordner, Alexandra Smith, Kim McCallion, Bongiwe Tshabalala.

Meanwhile, Loch Lomond’s second team were idle on Saturday – but after their opponents Irvine conceded the match, the local side did at least have the consolation of being awarded a 5-0 win and three league points.

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THIS Saturday, November 23, Loch Lomond’s first team face another tough test as Rottenrow Blue Sox, currently lying second in the league standings, visit Helensburgh.

Loch Lomond’s second team also face a stiff challenge this Saturday as they play host to fourth division table-toppers Western Wildcats 3.

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