Clarke urges Grange to get better of Kelburne

GRANGE coach Colin Clarke believes his side are on a roll and are quite capable of taking the National Champions title and the top place in Europe next season, but the Edinburgh side must first see off 11-times champions Bromac Kelburne over two legs this weekend at Glasgow Green.

“We have improved game after game and we look to continue our development this weekend,” said Clarke. “Up until now we have won the Scottish Cup, remained unbeaten since Christmas and scored over 100 goals this season. The players know that if we perform well then were are capable of becoming National Champions.”

Clarke is still searching for consistency. While they beat Western Wildcats 7-3 over two legs in the semi-final last weekend, the initial 2-1 victory only came with a last-gasp counter by Australian striker Todd Harmsworth.

“Last weekend we underperformed in the first game against Western, but the pleasing thing was that we were still able to win while not playing at our best. We are acutely aware that we need to perform in both games against Kelburne to secure the title,” added Clarke.

The league meetings would suggest there is little between the sides – Kelburne won the opener 2-0 but Grange enjoyed a 3-2 victory in Edinburgh. However, the Paisley side did win the league competition by a clear seven points from Grange.

“Grange have had a strong presence in the league all year so we’re not surprised to be meeting them in the final,” said Colin Bryce, Kelburne’s manager. “We were disappointed to lose to them in the league, so I know the team are keen to make amends.”

At the other end of the spectrum Inverleith are facing the drop, and the only salvation is to see off Dundee Wanderers in the final play-off. Inverleith coach Bill Robson can take heart from his team’s double over the Taysiders in the league, but much may depend on the penalty corner success of Adam Mckenzie.

In the women’s final, Edinburgh University player/coach Sam Judge is determined to finish the season on a winning note against Grove Menzieshill and claim the top European place. “I am really happy with the season so far and delighted to have won every game in the league,” she said. The students completed the double over their Tayside rivals in the league (3-2 was followed by 2-0), but Grove did knock the champions out of the Scottish Cup with a 3-2 win in the semifinals.

Second division Inverleith’s hopes of making the top flight rest on beating Kelburne over two matches in the relegation play-offs.