Hockey: Capital double-header to test Kelburne after defeat

TWO Edinburgh teams could have a major say in shaping the season for high-flying Kelburne, who are looking to bounce back from their first defeat in over two years.

The hockey Division One front-runners are at Peffermill to face Inverleith in the league tomorrow (11am), a game brought forward because of the wedding of Inverleith player Phil Hall. And they return to the same Capital venue on Sunday (12.15pm) for a Scottish Cup semi-final clash with shock troops CALA Edinburgh.

Mark Ralph, Kelburne's joint player/coach, will not consider Sunday's game until tomorrow's league clash is out the way. The double-chasing outfit still have a long list of injuries to contend with. And the experienced Scottish international defender has to lift his men following last Sunday's 1-0 league defeat at home to Grove Menzieshill. Ralph said: "Everybody in the squad is disappointed that we lost for the first time in over two years. We had chances which we should have taken. On another day we could have scored six but we didn't and they (Grove Menzieshill) played well."

Elsewhere, Edinburgh University host Clydesdale tomorrow (1.15pm) as they continue their bid to beat the drop.

In Division Two, CALA can't afford another slip as they entertain St Andrews University (3.30pm) while Watsonians host Carnegie (1pm).

Waverley Inveresk Trinity will bid to boost their battle against the drop when they host Greenock (12.30pm at Bangholm).

In the Scottish Plate on Sunday at Peffermill, Grange Edinburgh Ladies face Western (11.45am) while Edinburgh University Ladies play Granite City Wanderers (3.15pm).