DUNFERMLINE Carnegie Hockey Club's ladies section have opened their new season with the first team making their debut in Scottish Hockey's Championship leagues.

The team travelled north to Inverness to take on Highland Hockey Club with a small squad of 11 players, who produced some nice acts of play, but fell to defeat.

Three goals in each half gave the home side a 6-1 victory, courtesy of some fine breaks into the defence, during a match that saw no penalty corners awarded on either side.

Carnegie, who host Western Wildcats at home this weekend, scored a consolation courtesy of a penalty stroke, and Nic Crawford was named as MVP (most valuable player).

The seconds opened their campaign at home to Edinburgh Hockey Club thirds, who secured a 5-0 win.

Captain, Laura Donaldson, commented: "It was a good game but the experience of the EHC's players meant they secured a 5-0 victory. Credit must go to Eva O'Neill ,who was voted MVP, due to her fantastic saves in goal."

Carnegie's thirds also went down to defeat, at Inverleith Ladies fours, who netted the only goal of the game, whilst the development squad played Kelso Ladies Development at Woodmill.

They made a return to the league after a year out, with a number of first-time players involved, and although they gained some penalty corners, and worked hard to counter Kelso's attack, the visitors scored the only goal with five seconds left on the clock.