Capital ace inspires Scots

City of Edinburgh’s Ross Kirkwood has put Scotland’s junior men within touching distance of a medal at the European “C” Volleyball Championship finals at Ravenscraig, Motherwell.

Kirkwood was top hitter for the first two matches of the tournament as Scotland beat Northern Ireland 25-17, 25-13, 25-15 and then edged San Marino 25-18, 17-25, 25-23, 27-25.

Scotland face Ireland tonight knowing a win would set them up nicely for a clash with Luxembourg tomorrow, which is shaping up to be a silver medal play-off.

Kirkwood’s clubmate Connor Boyle has also played his part in what is a west-dominated squad.