Hockey: Schoolboy Hamish the Grange hero

By NIGEL DUNCAN
Published on 19/03/2012 12:00

Fettes schoolboy Hamish Imrie claimed four goals as Grange romped to an 8-1 hockey win at relegation-threatened Edinburgh rivals CALA yesterday.

The 15-year-old helped Grange consolidate second place in Division One as they sit on 36 points from 16 games, nine behind newly-crowned champions Kelburne and, crucially, seven ahead of third-placed Western and Inverleith who are fourth on goal difference.

Colin Clarke, Grange’s coach, said: “Hamish was excellent and he is playing hockey well beyond his years.”

Elsewhere, Western edged under-strength Inverleith out of third place with a 5-2 victory in Glasgow, the Edinburgh side being punished for defensive lapses. Mid-table Grove Menzieshill beat Hillhead 4-2 but the Glasgow side still have a three-point cushion over CALA in the race to beat the drop, and Clydesdale beat Dundee Wanderers 3-0.

Meanwhile, Grange secured their place in the final four of the Scottish Cup yesterday with a professional performance at struggling Hillhead. Grange thrashed Hillhead 11-2 in the league in November and completed a road double over the Glasgow side with a 5-1 Cup success yesterday.

Rob Barr, Fraser Sands, Martin Johnstone, Matt Connor and Imrie netted for the visitors who led 3-0 at the break.

Meanwhile, Inverleith also progressed to the semi-finals, beating Division Two minnows Granite City 5-3 at the Aberdeen Sports Village. The North-East combine, who are fourth in Division One, were put to the sword thanks to doubles from Andrew Sinclair and Derek Salmond and a single from Phil Hall.

Elsewhere, holders Western shut out minnows Dundee University who are second in Division Three A, to win 3-0 at Auchenhowie. Double-chasing Kelburne cruised into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup with an 8-1 victory over Division Two pace-setters Gordonians.