Inverleith given a fright by new boys CALA

Inverleith picked up the three points from their opening game of the Subway national league season with a 3-2 win over newly promoted CALA Edinburgh at Meggetland, despite almost succumbing to a David Guy inspired fight-back.

The visitors strolled into a 2-0 half time lead, with Adam McKenzie scoring from a penalty corner in 15 minutes and then Andrew Johnston adding a second. A third goal by John Harris two minutes into the second half had Inverleith cruising to a comfortable victory before Stephen McCurry’s charges inexplicably allowed CALA back into the contest. Guy scored twice to set up a frantic finale but McCurry’s men managed to hold on and the points finally went to Inverleith.

No such problems for Glynhill Kelburne who opened the defence of their title with a 5-0 victory over VWS Dundee Wanderers at Bellahouston. It could have been worse for Wanderers who had their keeper Paul Johnston to thank for a series of outstanding saves.

Western Wildcats went to Dundee for a tricky encounter with Grove Menzieshill and came away from Tayside with a share of the points in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Douglas Simpson scoring a set piece shot for the Wildcats’ equaliser.

Greaves Clydesdale and AMN Hillhead also served up a thrilling 3-3 draw at Titwood. Hillhead had taken a 3-2 lead after the interval, but a strong run and shot by captain Ross Macpherson secured a well deserved equaliser for Clydesdale.

In the opening games of the women’s league, CALA Edinburgh failed to deliver and went down 6-0 at home to Milne Craig Western. Two goals from Nicola Pitticas and others by Anna-Mae Morton, Bethan Mann, Fiona Bruce and captain Catriona Ralph sunk the Edinburgh side.

Champions Grove Menzieshill enjoyed a 4-1 victory at tricky Giffnock, with goals from Linda Clement, Rhona Simpson, Ali Bell and Suzy Roberts. Lyn Owen had scored a first-half equaliser for Giffnock but it wasn’t enough to save them from defeat.

Dundee Wanderers, second in the table last season, were taken to the wire by a well organised Western Wildcats’ pack. With the score locked at 2-2, only an overtime penalty corner strike by July Bryce saved their blushes on Tayside and gave them a narrow 3-2 victory.