Hockey: Grange out to prove they can be title contenders

IF ROB Barr, Grange's captain, has any aspirations to mount an effective challenge for the Subway National League title this year, the scalp of second-placed Greaves Clydesdale at Peffermill today would be a step in the right direction.

"We want to compete at the top of the league and I feel we have the squad to do that this year,'' he said. ''We've done well in our opening four games, but we've not played consistently at the level I know we can reach. So if we play to our potential for longer periods, we can challenge anyone in the league."

Grange's form has been a little up and down, with a narrow 3-2 victory over AMN Hillhead, a 3-3 draw with Western Wildcats after being three down, then convincing victories over VWS Dundee Wanderers and Edinburgh University.

"We have a good mix of youth and experience in the squad, our attacking play has been a real strength and we've created a lot of chances to score in all our games so far,'' Barr added. ''We carry a strong goal threat all over the pitch from open play and penalty corners."

Barr knows that Clydesdale will be a difficult hurdle. "They've had a great start to the season winning all their games so far, so we fully expect the game will be difficult. However, we're confident that we can score goals, and if we defend well, we have a great chance of picking up the points."

Clydesdale's perfect record speaks for itself, but the Titwood outfit have yet to play one of the top guns and last weekend they struggled to find any real rhythm against Grove Menzieshill.

Grange have a testy assignment tomorrow when they take on second division high-fliers Cala Edinburgh in the second round of the Arthur McKay Scottish Cup.

"The opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the country is one our players relish,'' said Cala coach Neil Allan. ''We will be going into this game with no fear and no pressure."

Allan's charges take on Stepps in a top-of-the-table clash today, while fellow challengers Watsonians have an easier assignment at home to Chapman Motherwell.

In the women's league VWS Dundee Wanderers, third in the table last season, enter the fray with a potentially tricky assignment against leaders Kelburne on Tayside. Last season Wanderers completed the double over the Paisley outfit with Vikki Bunce the main tormentor, and a similar scenario could be on the cards if the Tayside playmaker takes the field after Delhi.

Grange EL face a Giffnock side with coach Rhona Simpson back at the helm, while Edinburgh University have a chance to pick up some points at home to Western Wildcats.