Capital duo skid to defeat, but Grange march on

There was bad news for fans of two Edinburgh-based men’s hockey clubs on Saturday as Inverleith and Erskine Stewart’s Melville both lost at home in the bottom six.

Inverleith were beaten 3-1 by Dundee Wanderers while Grove Menzieshill edged Erskine Stewart’s Melville 2-1 but under-strength Grange thrashed Hillhead 5-1 at Old Anniesland in Glasgow.

David Nairn, recently restored to the team after injury, claimed a double with Dylan Bean, Jamie Green and Ben Pearson claiming singles and coach Stevie Grubb praised his men for a controlled performance.

He added: “We were much more clinical in front of goal than we were two weeks ago (they drew 1-1 then) which is a result of the good work the squad have been doing in training.”

Grubb added: “We were missing a number of players so the overall performance was pleasing. Bart Kuijpers played a full game in goal with David Forrester not available and he was unfortunate not to save the penalty flick Hillhead scored from, getting a glove to the ball but he did save a second penalty flick high to his right.”

Elsewhere, The University of Edinburgh romped to a 6-1 victory over Uddingston at Peffermill while FSEG Clydesdale earned a 5-2 victory over West of Scotland rivals Kelburne.

In the women’s Premiership, The University of Edinburgh won 5-0 at Hillhead and Sunday’s fixtures saw Inverleith hosting Uddingston at The Mary Erskine School (13.00) while Western Wildcats entertain Watsonians (14.30) at Auchenhowie.

Watsonians, who top the table, won 2-0 and Inverleith edged Uddingston 2-1.

Meanwhile, more pictures from Tipperlin following games between Watsonians men and Western Wildcats which ended with a 5-1 win for the Glasgow side and women against Inverleith, a 7-0 victory for the home side, also in the Premiership. All pictures by Nigel Duncan