Menzieshill and Inverleith renew rivalry

INDOOR NATIONAL LEAGUE  – 
MEN        BELL`S SPORTS CENTRE
IN PERTH

The rivalry between Grove Menzieshill and Inverleith has
been the key feature of the indoor national league over the past
few season, and there is little to suggest that anything will alter
over the next three months.  

The Edinburgh side came close on a couple of occasions, then
took the title two seasons ago, but the Taysiders wrested the crown
back last year.    But it could hardly have been
closer, both sides finished level on 39 points, but
Menzieshill  shaded it by just two goals.

The Dundonians are under new management, the halcyon days of
Bruce Cuthill and Billy McPherson seem to be consigned to the
history books, now Chris Anderson will coach and Jamie Cromar will
act as manager.    But there would appear to be
little change in the Menzieshill psyche.    “Our
target is to win the league title, win the play-offs and then gain
promotion to the top flight of the European Cup in Vienna,” said
Anderson.

There seems to be so little between the sides that Anderson`s
aspirations could be put to the test by an ambitious Inverleith
outfit.    Last season
Menzieshill won the league, but it was Inverleith who took the
play-offs 7-6.   Then the play-offs were for pride only,
but starting this year it is the winner of the knock-out play-offs
between the top four in the league table that will provide
Scotland`s representative in Europe.

The Taysiders, seeped in the tradition of indoor hockey in
Scotland, have immense experience in the likes of Ross McPherson,
Gavin Byers, Chris Wilson and Gavin Tomlinson, but this season the
influential Ross Stott will be added to the ranks.

Stuart Neave, Inverleith`s very successful coach, has thrown
down his own gauntlet.   “We are looking forward to the
new indoor season, and our aim is to go one better than last
season.

“There are certainly a number of teams in the league with
players to challenge for the title, however I`m sure Menzieshill
will be looking to retain the title.”

But the Edinburgh side will a little lighter of experience this
time, goalkeeper Allan Dick along with brother Stephen and Chris
Grassick will be absent, they are playing in
England.    “Despite that, we still have a strong
squad with some very experienced players.   Ideally I
would have preferred more time to prepare, however that is always
going to be difficult when there is such a busy
calendar.” 

Both pre-tournament favourites should start off with full points
as they face Western Wildcats and PSL Clydesdale on Saturday at the
Bell`s Sports Centre in Perth

Grange finished third last season, but a massive 15 points
adrift of the top two.   But there seems to be a new
direction in the Edinburgh make-up, coach David Knipe has stated
that it will be a much younger team than in previous seasons,
presumably along the lines of the squad that played recently in
a  tournament in Prague a few weeks ago.   
“Menzieshill and Inverleith will probably be challenging again for
the title, and I think Wanderers will do well, they have been
building nicely for a couple of seasons,” said Knipe.

It will be interesting to see how the Grange youngsters cope
with their opening fixtures against newly promoted Harris and
Glynhill Kelburne.

Despite having problems in the outdoor game, and were in fact
relegated from the top flight, Dundee Wanderers continued their
tradition of a strong indoor side by finishing a very creditable
fourth last year.   The Taysiders have a young side with
the likes of Blair Williams, Ross Glashan, Fergus Sandison, Rory
Taylor and Ross Davies, and along with effective stikers James
Weyers and Bobby Ralph, could make an even bigger impact this
coming season.

It is difficult to know the impact of Western Wildcats and
Kelburne, always capable of causing an upset here and there, but
rarely making a sustained effort to challenge for
honours.   As in previous seasons, a lot will depend on
the quality and experience of the players on view from one week to
the next.

Now with two teams facing relegation this year for the first
time, there could be immediate pressure on Clydesdale and newcomers
Harris to come up with something to avoid the drop.

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