Grange wary of wounded Western side

AMBITIOUS Grange test their hockey title credentials tomorrow at Peffermill when they clash with another fancied side Western. The Glasgow combine will be anxious to bounce back after a 7-1 humiliation by Division One champions Kelburne and Grange playcaller, Colin Clarke, is keen not to slip up at home.

The Scottish under-age international coach should have Adam Walker (knee) and experienced Phil Sully (back) on duty. And he is anxious to build on the club’s solid start to the campaign which has yielded two wins, including a narrow victory over Grove Menzieshill despite being 3-1 down.

Clarke said: “We played well in the two games, but this is a real test for us against Western.

“Their pride will be hurt having lost to Kelburne, but we have to prove that we have a chance to challenge for the league.”

Grange, who are third, also square up to Edinburgh University at Peffermill on Sunday, but Clarke said: “We’ll not focus on that game until after Saturday.”

The students host eighth-placed Hillhead tomorrow and Graham Moodie, their player/coach, said: “We always have close games against Hillhead and I expect it to be tight again.

“As for Grange, I watched them come back to beat Grove Menzieshill and they know how to win. They also have some really experienced players.”

Inverleith, who are second on goal difference to champions Kelburne, aim to make it four straight wins when they entertain bottom club Dundee Wanderers.

CALA Edinburgh, who are fifth, host second-bottom Grove Menzieshill and spokesman George Guy said that they fancy their chances of following up their 3-2 victory at Hillhead. He said: “It was a pity that we had a break as we wanted to keep up momentum but the weekend off allowed us to get some guys over some niggling injuries.”