Fog spares Grange blushes but Hillhead left frustrated

Grange’s runners-up spot and a place in Europe next season seemed to be in unexpected jeopardy when they found themselves 3-2 down against third bottom AMN Hillhead after 46 minutes, but the Edinburgh side’s blushes were saved by the heavy fog which engulfed Peffermill and caused the umpires to abandon the contest.

Grange are now only a single point ahead of Western Wildcats, but still have the luxury of the replayed encounter with Hillhead to come, and captain Rob Barr will be hoping for a different outcome.

At the premature finale, Ryan Bell, Matthew McIntyre and Andrew Hilton, from the spot, found the net for Hillhead, with Cammie Fraser and Barr from a penalty replying for the Capital side. However, the fog could not have come at a worse time for a very frustrated Hillhead coach, Keith Joss. His side’s relegation concerns would have been over had the game ended with that score.

In contrast, there was only sunshine at Bellahouston, but it was newly-crowned champions Glynhill Kelburne that turned on the heat, crushing Inverleith 5-0 in a one-sided contest with goals from Jonny Christie (2), Willie Marshall, Gareth Hall and Alan Forsyth.

The Wildcats kept up the pressure on Grange for the European spot with a 4-1 win over already relegated VWS Dundee Wanderers, with former international striker Scott McCartney scoring all four goals.

CALA Edinburgh gave themselves a relegation lifeline with a 3-3 draw against Edinburgh University. The students are safe, while second bottom CALA are now only two points behind Hillhead. The Edinburgh side must beat the unpredictable Greaves Clydesdale at Meggetland next weekend to have any chance of avoiding the relegation play-off.

Elsewhere, Clydesdale beat Menzieshill 2-1 at Titwood with Ciaran Crawford and Raymond Wrightson scoring for the home side.

In the women’s league, Grove Menzieshill are one game away from their sixth title after beating Western Wildcats 7-0. Ali Bell notched a hat-trick and the other goals came from Louise Campbell, Linda Clement, Kerry Hall and Lizzie Bush.

Milne Craig Western are still on Grove’s shoulder following a 6-0 win over Kelburne with Holly Cram and Nicola Pitticas both scoring twice.

Edinburgh University have virtually assured themselves of fourth place in the table with a 2-1 win over rivals VWS Dundee Wanderers. Laura Protheroe gave the students a one goal lead at the interval before the Taysiders equalised through Louise Sheriff. Edinburgh had to wait until an overtime penalty corner converted by Sarah Robertson, to secure their win.

Grange are still in relegation trouble after only drawing 2-2 with bottom side GHK while goals from Emma Watson and Amy Brodie gave CALA Edinburgh a 2-1 win over Giffnock.