Men’s hockey – Grange fire eight as Watsonians edge students

Premiership: Grange 8, Kelburne 0; Grove Menzieshill 7, Hillhead 0; Clydesdale 2, Western 2; Edinburgh University 3, Watsonians 4

Debutant Josh McRae yesterday scored a glory double as last season’s Grand Slam winners Grange opened their Premiership title defence with an 8-0 thrashing of former champions Kelburne.

Scottish international Duncan Riddell chipped in with two goals as did former Great Britain squad member, Dan Coultas, whose counters both came from penalty corners.

It took the defending league champions, being coached for the first time by Callum Milne and Stevie Grubb, time to break through a solid opposition defence at Fettes College.

Martin Shepherdson, the team manager, said: “We were 2-0 ahead after the first quarter and 3-0 ahead at half-time.

“They kept pressing and played well and the new coaches were very happy with the performance.”

Grove Menzieshill stayed on their coat-tails with a 7-0 victory over Hillhead on Tayside while Clydesdale and Western drew 2-2 at Titwood.

And Watsonians edged Edinburgh University 4-3 after being 4-1 up early in the game and hanging on to grab a confidence-building win.