Field hockey – Shepherd warning to rivals

Bromac Kelburne embark on their quest for a 14th-straight Division One title with a clash against newly-promoted Inverleith at Glasgow’s National Hockey Centre.

Grange lost out narrowly to Kelburne last season after slipping up 3-2 to Western Wildcats in their final match at Fettes.

Kelburne took full advantage and grasped the silverware with a 2-0 win at Edinburgh University.

Shepherd’s target for the season is to keep winning but they have to do that without the services of striker Lee Morton who is now with top English side Reading.

Former Scotland midfielder Michael Christie makes his comeback as Inverleith return to the top division after two seasons out.

Coach Stuart Neave, who has Olympian Stephen Dick in his squad, said: “This season is all about consolidating our place in Division One.”

Grange coach David Knipe would only say: “We aim to continue to develop our style of play.”

Scotland international Duncan Riddell has left but set piece expert Dan Coultas, a former Great Britain squad player, has moved to the Raeburn Place side from neighbours Edinburgh University.

Grange travel to Clydesdale who have a new coach in Callum McLeod while Grove Menzieshill, who were third last year, start their campaign with a Dundee derby against promoted Dundee Wanderers.

Western Wildcats have a home fixture against Hillhead who have former Scottish and Great Britain internationalist Mark Ralph as coach.

Uddingston and Edinburgh University don’t feature in the first week of matches.