DUNFERMLINE Carnegie Hockey Club are celebrating after their men's first team sealed a return to the top tier of the sport.

They have been promoted to Scottish Hockey's Men's Premiership for the 2024/25 season after winning the National League Sub Division One.

The team, coached by Steven Glass, topped the National Division table after the opening nine matches of the season, winning eight and losing just once.

The 10 competing teams were then split into two sub divisions - one of six and one of four - for the remainder and Dunfermline Carnegie, after drawing the first of those against Gordonians, who placed second, defeated Falkirk and Linlithgow, University of St Andrews, Glasgow University and FMGM Monarchs.

That left them at the summit with 12 wins from 14 matches, and 37 points, which saw them crowned as champions to earn promotion.

It is the second time that Dunfermline Carnegie have reached the men's Premiership, having previously done so in 2020.

They made the step-up to the top flight for the first time since their formation in 1909 when they promoted in second place after league placings were decided on a points-per-game average after the season's remaining fixtures couldn't be completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gordon Johnston, club development officer, said: "The men's first team have won the national league and it's the first time in our history that we've actually won it.

"The last time we went up, which was during Covid, we went up in second place. We've won all our games except from losing one to Glasgow University and drawing one with Gordonians.

"We've got a good blend of youth and experience."

The men's firsts weren't the only team at the club celebrating promotion as the men's thirds also won their division.

Competing in Scottish Hockey East District, Division Two, they claimed the title by winning 16 and drawing one of their 18 matches, finishing six points clear of runners-up Grange fives.

A 6-2 win over Alloa, who finished third, in their penultimate fixture clinched the championship for Dunfermline Carnegie, who will now play in the highest level of district hockey next season.

Meanwhile, the club were represented in both the men's 40s and 50s age groups as Scotland competed in a GB and Ireland Four Nations Tournament.

Held at Southgate Hockey Club, Martin Daw, who captained the team, Magnus Ferrier and Sam Goldie helped the 40s team to a third place finish, whilst Bryan Flint, Craig Lamb and Neil Shaw, as well as player / coaches Mark McLintock and Calum Wood, played their part in a second place finish for the 50s squad.