golf

Pamela Pretswell, leader of the Ladies European Tour's Access Series order of merit, has been advised by her doctor not to travel to this week's final event of the season in Valencia, Spain, writes Colin Farquharson. The Hamilton player, prominent for Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup defeat of the United States at Nairn last June, has, however, done enough already to be guaranteed a place on next year's Ladies European Tour.

"My doctor is doing some tests as she thinks I may have picked up an infection when I was in Morocco a couple of weeks ago," said Pretswell. "I haven't eaten since Thursday and have been sick. The good news is that I have already secured my LET card for next season. I am more than 5100 points ahead of the player in third place in the table and, with the maximum points available in the final event 5000, I am guaranteed to finish first or second in the table [the top three gain automatic promotion to the Ladies European Tour]. It's been a long haul; I started playing on the developmental circuit early in the year as an amateur to gain experience and it has paid off."

Carnoustie's Katy McNicoll, if she can produce a grandstand finish, could yet make the top three in Order of Merit and be promoted to the LET alongwith Pretswell. In fourth place, she is only 186.85 points behind the third-placed Norwegian, Cecilie Lundgreen.

Players in fourth to 15th positions after the Valencia tournament can bypass the LET Q School Stage 1 in Morocco and go on to the Final Stage a week later at Marrakesh. Pamela Feggans, from Patna in Ayrshire is ninth and even victory in Valencia would not take her into the three to be promoted, but she should earn a ticket through to the Q School Final Stage.

American Football

Lawrence Tynes nailed a 50-yard field goal, his longest of the season, but could not prevent New York Giants losing 24-20 at home to Pittsburgh Steelers, writes Roddy Mackenzie. Greenock-born Tynes was short with a 51-yard attempt in the first half but also kicked a 23-yard field goal and two extra points to take his tally to 102 points for the season, the best of his career. He has already overtaken what he achieved in 2010 and '11. Giants led 20-10 going into the final quarter but their four-match winning streak came to an end as Steelers hit back.

hockey

Grove Menzieshill were 2-1 winners over Edinburgh University in the most significant encounter in the Aberdeen Asset Management Women's League courtesy of a mishit shot from a setpiece by Louise Baxter which found its way past Nikki Cochrane, writes Craig Madden. The Taysiders had gone in front when a cross was deflected in by a defender, only for Sarah Robertson to equalise before the break after a fine run down the left and a good finish.

Milne Craig Clydesdale Western were made to work for a 2-0 win over local rivals Giffnock at Titwood despite enjoying almost complete territorial domination. The game was scoreless at the break and it looked as if Giffnock might hang on for a share of the points but, when Suzie Blake had to leave the field with a head knock, Western took full advantage of the numerical advantage in the final 10 minutes with two goals from Susan McGilvary.

Kelburne claimed their first win of the season with a 2-1 defeat of promoted Inverleith In Edinburgh while CALA won the Edinburgh derby 3-1 against Grange at Peffermill.

n Glynhill Hotel Kelburne returned to domestic action in the men's league with a 4-2 win over PSL Clydesdale. Ed Greaves and Jonny Christie put them in control but Gregor Hirst pulled one back just before the break. Lee Morton and Christie made it 4-1 before Steven McKnight reduced the deficit again. Kelburne's Willie Marshall was shown a red card but the champions prevented the home side from cashing in on their extra man.

Grange beat Inverleith 4-3 in the Edinburgh derby. Matt Connor, Duncan Riddle and a Rob Barr penalty stroke put them 3-0 in front at the interval. Connor soon added a fourth and they survived a spirited Inverleith fightback to claim the points.

Western Wildcats scored a 3-2 win over AMN Hillhead with a last-second setpiece goal from Scott McCartney. Their earlier goals had been scored by Ross Clunie and McCartne

ICE HOCKEY

Sam McCluskey believes that Dundee CCS Stars' display against Sheffield Steelers, despite their loss in overtime, shows that the team can become a genuine force, writes Nigel Duncan.

The 22-year-old defenceman, back with Dundee after a spell with Hull Stingrays, is looking forward to the arrival of 25-year-old, Californian-born centre Tim Kraus to bolster the squad. "We pushed Sheffield all the way before losing to a soft goal in overtime. Being 3-3 with Sheffield at the end of regulation time shows that this team is moving in the right direction. Sheffield are a strong club with strength in depth but we also have some depth."

Dundee travel to arch rivals Fife Flyers on Saturday and host Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday. "We're looking for four points," said McCluskey. "Games against Fife and Edinburgh are key and we must get a maximum return."