Hockey: Clarke turns attention to securing place in Europe

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.