Hockey: Coach’s fears justified as Inverleith sink in rain

STEPHEN McCurry, Inverleith’s coach, advised caution prior to the visit to the unpredictable Greaves Clydesdale. His words were prophetic, as his side was swept away 3-0 in the wind and rain.

The Edinburgh side now languish in fourth spot, their dreams of challenging leaders Glynhill Kelburne in tatters. Ross Macpherson opened from a penalty corner and teenager Ben Peterson scored twice.

Kelburne are marching relentlessly to their eighth consecutive championship with a 7-1 crushing of AMN Hillhead. Teenager Lee Morton scored in only 30 seconds and Kelburne were three up by the interval through Willie Marshall and Ross McIntyre. The Paisley outfit added to their total through a set piece by Mark Ralph, a double from Gareth Hall, and Marshall scoring again.

Kelburne have a seven-point lead going into the winter break, but Western Wildcats now lie second following a 6-3 win over CALA Edinburgh. A first-half hat-trick by Scott McCartney destroyed CALA’s resistance and he added a fourth after the interval, along with strikes by Douglas Simpson and Andrew Sewnauth. CALA’s replies came from Scott Sutherland (2) and Karl Clarke.

Edinburgh University are fifth after crushing bottom side VWS Dundee Wanderers 5-0, with goals by Jay Harman, Callum Duke, Craig McCrossen, Nick Bryant and Neil Niven.

Grove Menzieshill continue to dominate the women’s competition. They demolished GHK 13-0. Linda Clement (4), Ailsa Wyllie (3) and Ali Bell (2) did most of the damage while Louise Carroll, Kat Cameron, Louise Campbell and Danni Johnston completed the scoring.

Milne Craig Western are emerging as the Taysiders’ chief challenge following a 1-0 win over Dundee Wanderers, schoolgirl Jennifer Eadie scoring the only goal. The victory puts the Glasgow outfit four points behind Grove at the top.

Giffnock remain third after a comfortable 3-0 win over bottom side Grange, with goals by Jackie Fortune, Rhona Simpson and Lucy Lanigan. Edinburgh University battled to a two-goal victory over Kelburne, player/coach Sam Judge and Sarah Robertson providing the goals.