Volleyball: MacNab sets great example as City sweep to League title

The Capital side beat former champions Kilmarnock over two matches to win the play-off final 2-0 and avoid the need to go to a third match.

Edinburgh suffered a serious blow in the build-up to the matches when setter Gavin Watt suffered an ankle injury and it was left to Colin MacNab to take on the setting duties.

MacNab had not played the position of setter for eight years but he stepped up to the plate and was the cornerstone of the victory.

Edinburgh won Saturday's first leg 25-19, 25-23, 20-25, 25-23 and then won yesterday's return in Ayrshire 10-25, 25-16, 29-27, 20-25, 15-7 for their first major honour in the Scottish game.

Working off the smallest squad in division one – just eight players – it has been a momentous season, having gone through the regular season unbeaten with a defeat in the Scottish Cup semi-finals the only blemish.

It was a double celebration for the club with City of Edinburgh also regaining the women's title after beating defending champions Troon PA in two matches.

Edinburgh impressed in a 25-10, 25-21, 25-7 first leg win with the Ayrshire side without the talismanic Gillian Lyall but had to work harder yesterday to come through 25-23, 18-25, 25-21, 25-18.

"City of Edinburgh are worthy champions," conceded Troon coach Vince Krawczyk. "They gave us a going over in the first match and I had to change things for the return.

"I switched Hazel Gow to play opposite the setter and she had an outstanding match. I was pleased with the way my young players responded and Jenny Krawczyk also showed how big a heart she has.

"We could have taken the first set but made three hitting errors at the end which was disappointing but we still have the cup final to look forward to."