Rivals closing in on Grange in title race

Last weekend’s results saw Grange slip up at home to The University of Edinburgh who won 3-1 at Fettes. Western whipped Hillhead 5-1 while Uddingston edged Watsonians 2-1 in Lanarkshire.

Martin Shepherdson, Grange’s team manager, sportingly conceded that the students deserved the points after a committed and solid performance.

Richie McCluskey broke the deadlock after a scramble in the D after 30 minutes and Kier Robb netted a double (40 and 50 minutes) with Grange grabbing a consolation from Jamie Green after 68 minutes.

Shepherdson added: “It was a very tight game with chances at both ends and the students’ goalkeeper, Calum Douglas, made a few exceptional saves.”

Now, it is getting tighter at the top of the men’s Premiership as the run-in to the end of the season gathers pace.

Grange lead with 34 points from 13 games according to the table compiled by Scottish Hockey with Western Wildcats tucked in behind with 33 points from the same number of fixtures.

Then come The University of Edinburgh also with 33 from 13 starts and they are way out ahead of fourth-placed Uddingston on 18 points from their 13 fixtures so far.

Watsonians have slipped to fifth with 17 points from 13 fixtures and Hillhead prop up sub-division one with 16 points from their 13 outings.

Fixtures on March 23 are The University of Edinburgh v Watsonians, Grange v Western Wildcats and Uddingston v Hillhead.

PICTURE: Watsonians v Westeren Wildcats in a recent men’s Premiership clash in Edinburgh. Picture by Alex Rose