Hockey: Clarke turns attention to securing place in Europe

Published on 04/03/2013 12:00

FRUSTRATED Grange indoor hockey club coach Colin Clarke today called on his men to refocus on Europe after conceding the Division One title to arch rivals Kelburne.

The Edinburgh club’s 1-1 draw with Dundee-based Grove Menzieshill at Forthbank ended their title chase and Clarke said: “Our concentration is now in securing second place in the table which guarantees a place in Europe next season.”

Grove broke the deadlock 15 minutes from time, student Stewart Bracegirdle netting and Grange skipper Robert Barr levelled from a controversial penalty corner award two minutes later.

Kelburne skipper Mark Ralph claimed three penalty corner goals in the last eight minutes to earn the champions a 6-3 victory over Inverleith at Bellahouston. The West of Scotland outfit, who were down to nine men for a spell, were 2-1 ahead at the break thanks to goals from Scott Sutherland and Willie Marshall with a reply from Patrick Christie. Ed Greaves made it 3-1 before Adam Mackenzie scored from a penalty flick and penalty corner to level at 3-3.

Elsewhere, Scott McCartney claimed a double as Western ground out a 3-1 victory at bottom club Watsonians.