Hockey: Inverleith still confident despite losing to Grove

Coach Stuart Neave was today remaining upbeat about Inverleith being able to retain the Scottish indoor hockey title despite an early setback.

The champions edged Edinburgh rivals Grange 5-4 after coasting to a 4-0 lead early in the second half and then letting things slip. Then they lost 2-1 to arch rivals Grove Menzieshill, who are aiming to reclaim the title after holding it for the previous seven years.

Neave said: “Grove took their chances but we out-cornered them and we can take a lot of positives from the day. There is a long way to go and we played much better against Grove than we did against Grange.

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“We’re down but not out and, having watched a number of teams during the day, there are a number who could cause upsets in this league. Kelburne have a good squad and Dundee Wanderers played some good hockey. Grange also have an interesting squad and they are set to add a player or two.”

Grove Menzieshill are, however, in the driving seat after the opening day skirmishes.

The Tayside team, who warmed-up by coming third in an international tournament in Prague recently, thrashed Clydesdale 11-0 in their Division One opener. And then goals by Michael Ross and a piece of magic from Chris Wilson, who rounded three opponents before finishing with aplomb, secured the 2-1 victory over Inverleith. Chris Duncan scored for the defending champions.

Results:

CALA Edinburgh 3, Western 9; Dundee Wanderers 7, Kelburne 8; Clydesdale 0, Grove Menzieshill 11; Inverleith 5, Grange 4; CALA Edinburgh 0, Kelburne 10; Western 2, Dundee Wanderers 4; Clydesdale 3, Grange 6; Grove Menzieshill 2, Inverleith 1.

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