Match Preview: Edinburgh University vs Western Wildcats

Match Preview

Scottish Men’s/Open Premiership
Edinburgh University v Western Wildcats
Saturday 20 September 2025, 13:20
Peffermill Playing Fields (Pitch A2)

Edinburgh University Men’s 1st XI open their Premiership campaign against defending champions Western Wildcats in what promises to be an early-season heavyweight clash.

Form and Build-Up

The University side arrives sharp after an intense two-week pre-season. A three-day tour to Belfast included a narrow 2–1 loss to Annadale and a clinical 4–0 win over Instonians, following a stern opening test against Irish champions Lisnagarvey. That was followed by a double-header at Durham, where Edinburgh impressed, winning 3–0 and 4–1, believed to be the first time in recent history they have beaten Durham twice in a weekend. Across the 16-day block, the squad clocked close to 38 hours of training and running, leaving them battle-ready.

Western’s Start

The defending champions opened their campaign with an 8–1 demolition of Uddingston at Auchenhowie. Fraser Moran struck a first-quarter hat-trick—two penalty corners and a penalty stroke—while Adam Mackenzie, Rob Harwood (two, including a diving deflection), and Andrew McAllister added to the tally. Only a Jedd Campbell penalty corner broke the flow. It was a powerful reminder of Western’s firepower and a warning to title rivals.

Last Season’s Meetings

The two sides met four times last year. Edinburgh famously edged the Scottish Cup Final 6–7 in a shoot-out to lift the trophy for the first time. Western, however, took both Premiership encounters (3–2 in Edinburgh, 6–5 in Auchenhowie) and the European Play-off semi-final (3–2). Both teams will be eager to lay down an early marker in the title race.

Transfers and Selection

Jamie Golden, last season’s league top scorer with 23 goals for Western, makes his Premiership debut for Edinburgh after scoring 26 mid-week goals for the University 1s. Former club captain Iain McFadden now lines up for Western following graduation, adding extra spice to the fixture. Jamie Croll captains Edinburgh for the first time in league play.

Officials

Top EuroHockey umpires Jamie Telfer and Alex Fedenczuk—fresh from the EuroHockey Championships—take charge.

What to Expect

With Western already qualified for the EuroHockey League KO16 and Edinburgh keen to build on their historic cup success, the stakes are high even this early in the season. Expect a fast, physical encounter as the students look to turn pre-season momentum into a statement win.

History Beckons.