Kelburne’s title dream is dead
League crown heads east for first time in 14 years
Kelburne Hockey Club’s 13-year domination of the National League came to a dramatic end as Grange clinched the league title on Saturday.
The Paisley side had the s i l v e r ware and an unprecendented 14th- league title in a row within their grasp as they led with minutes to go.
Kelburne faced Uddingston, while Grange took on bottom side Inverleith, knowing that a victory would be enough to seal the title.
But a last- ditch equaliser from Uddingston saw the league swing in favour of Grange on goal difference.
The trip to Bothwell Castle was always going to be a tricky one for Kelburne but the league table suggested confidence would be high ahead of the push back.
That all changed when Uddingston raced into a two-goal lead inside the first half.
A rousing half-time dressing down got them back in the game as goals from Michael Christie and set-piece specialist Josh Cairns levelled things up.
Jack MacKenzie then struck to put the Paisley side ahead and seemingly in the driving seat for yet another title success.
With the seconds ticking away and leading 3-2, the silverware looked to be within the Paisley side’s grasp.
However, Steven Percy’s setpiece effort went into the net via the post and all eyes switched to events in Edinburgh.
Already aware of the Kelburne result, Grange took full advantage of the Kelburne’s slip- up thrashing Inverleith 5-0 to secure their first title since 2002 on goal difference.
Grange were two up at the interval through penalty corner conversions by Luke Cranney and Michael McKenzie.
The capital side then confirmed their advantage with further strikes by James Nairn, Cammie Fraser and Callum McKenzie to take the crown on goal difference.
Elsewhere, Western Wildcats purred their way to a 4- 1 win over Edinburgh University at Auchenhowie, a result that leaves them fourth in the table.
T h i r d - p l a c e d G ro v e Menzieshill were also on top form with a comfortable 5- 1 victory over Hillhead on Tayside.
And Titwood Clydesdale finished their season in a creditable fifth position with a 5-4 win over Dundee Wanderers who remain in the relegation play-off zone.
Meanwhile, in Men’s National League 2 Aberdeen Standard Gordonians defeated Watsonians 2- 1 in an exciting fast-paced match watched by the largest home crowd seen at Countesswells for many years.
The result meant that both teams finished the season on 49 points, with 16 wins, one draw, and one defeat.
However, Gordonians were crowned worthy champions due to their vastly superior goal difference.