Hockey: On-song Inverleith ease to historic first title triumph

Although the official award of the title to Inverleith came down to the final session of games, the Edinburgh side dropped only two points in the entire campaign and are worthy champions.

Stephen Dick and Adam MacKenzie shot Inverleith into an early two-goal lead against Clydesdale in the opening game. Although Ben Peterson pulled one back for the Glasgow side, a set piece strike by MacKenzie followed by another goal from Graham Moodie gave Inverleith a 4-1 lead by the interval.

Despite an early second-half penalty miss by MacKenzie, further strikes from Chris Grassick (2), Phil Hall, Dick again, Derek Salmond and Chris Duncan from the spot gave Inverleith a resounding 10-1 winning margin.

Menzieshill's hopes of an Inverleith slip-up rose slightly when Craig Paterson shot Hillhead into a first-minute lead in the second match, but were soon to be dashed when Duncan, Moodie and a double from Hall gave the champions-elect a 4-1 half time lead. Further goals followed after the interval, with Dick entering the fray with a well-taken hat-trick. Hall also scored his third while MacKenzie and Moodie contributed to a convincing 10-3 title-clinching win.

In the other games, Menzieshill sunk Grange 11-1, Western Wildcats 15-5 and Tayside rivals VWS Dundee Wanderers 11-7 with Chris Wilson, Kenny Stibbles, Josh Cairns and Gavin Tomlinson doing most of the damage.

Grange, who finished third went down to Menzieshill in their opening encounter before going goal crazy by whipping Glynhill Kelburne 25-1.

In the women's league, Milne Craig Western beat Grove Menzieshil 6-2 in the opening match but were then crushed 9-1 by champions Dundee Wanderers. They still have have a one-point lead at the top of the table, however, and the title will be determined in next week's final round of games.