Tables turned on Grove

Grove Menzieshill II entered the second stage of indoor National League Division 2 with victories over the three other teams in Pool A under their belt, writes our men’s hockey correspondent.

They beat Western Wildcats 9-5 in the first match of the season, but Western turned the tables with an 8-4 win.

Menzieshill II went on to beat Inverleith II 7-1, with Sam Tilston scoring three and Dave Petrie two.

Western’s 11-5 win over Watsonians clinched their semi-final place.

With Menzieshill II and Western on 12 points, first place will depend on Saturday’s first two results.

Dundee Wanderers II lost both matches to be bottom of Pool B along with Falkirk. Two goals by Paul Dailly and one by Cammie Bell were not enough against Falkirk’s six.

Wanderers II lost to Uddingston despite a goal apiece from Greg Pearson and Rob Alexander.

Wanderers II and Falkirk now face a relegation play-off after Saturday’s initial matches.

Perthshire looked to have taken a great step forward in the Division 3 title race when they recorded a 6-5 win over Kelburne II.

Adam Czub was their main contributor with three goals. Neil Robertson (2) and Lewis Pyke completed the scoring in their 6-5 win.

However, it all fell apart for Perthshire in their second match against Monarchs.

They trailed 6-1 at one stage and, despite a great fightback, lost out 8-6. Goals by Adam Czub (3), Calum Berry (2) and Lewis Pyke were just not enough.

Monarchs earlier drew with Menzieshill III.

Callum Boag (2) and Ben Harper were Monarchs’ scorers.

Shaan Afzal (2) and Nathan Soutar were on target for Menzieshill III.

Perthshire and Kelburne II are both on 18 points, with Aberdeen Grammar a point behind.

Monarchs have 11 points – if only they could have shown this latest form consistently throughout the programme.