Hockey: Clarke admits Grange now fighting for second spot

GRANGE playcaller Colin Clarke today conceded that he was in a dogfight with city hockey rivals Inverleith and a rejuvenated Western for second place in Division One.

The admission followed Saturday’s 5-0 defeat by defending champions Kelburne at Peffermill, who now have an eight point lead in their bid to win the domestic title for the eighth year running. Said Clarke: “The result proves there is a still a gulf between us and Kelburne and they will win the league. We’re playing for second place.”

Razor-sharp Johnny Christie claimed a double for Kelburne as they coasted to their ninth straight victory. Other goals came from Josh Cairns, Michael Bremner and Gareth Hall.

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Edinburgh University player/coach Graham Moodie guided his student side to a point against Inverleith but, after the 2-2 draw, declared: “It should have been three.”

The students were always ahead. Enterprising play was rewarded when Tom Kemsley scored from a penalty corner after 26 minutes only for Andrew Johnson to level seconds after the re-start.

The University went ahead three minutes later following a penalty flick when Inverleith goalkeeper Barnaby Barber upended Jay Harmon in the D. Adam Mackenzie levelled from their seventh penalty corner after 23 minutes.

Inverleith drew level on points with second-placed Grange last night thanks to a 5-3 victory over bottom club Dundee Wanderers.

Clydesdale earned only their second win of the league season at the weekend when they shut out CALA Edinburgh 4-0 in Glasgow.