SLOUGH AND EAST GRINSTEAD MOVE AHEAD

After the first weekend of play in the Indoor EHL Premier Divisions, only one team from each division has a 100% record. At Whitgift School, Slough confirmed their pre-eminence in the women’s indoor game with wins over Slough and Canterbury both by a 4-2 scoreline. Bowdon Hightown had some catching up to do after losing both their matches yesterday, but saw off Clifton (3-2) and Sutton Coldfield (7-2) this afternoon. Chelmsford, who for several seasons dominated the indoor game, showed signs of revival with a 5-1 win over Canterbury but were on the receiving end of a 4-3 setback at the hands of near neighbours Ipswich. Olton have had a good tournament, this afternoon’s wins over Sutton Coldfield (2-0) and Sevenoaks (8-1) giving them a 75% success rate over the weekend.

Women’s Indoor EHL Premier Division after first weekend (50% of matches played):

1. Slough 12 pts (+14)
2. Chelmsford 9 pts (+9)
3. Olton & West Warwick 9 pts (+8)
4. Ipswich 9 pts (+4)
5. Clifton 6 pts (+2)
6. Bowdon Hightown 6 pts (+1)
7. Canterbury 3 pts (-7)
8. Sutton Coldfield 0 pts (-12)
9. Sevenoaks 0 pts (-19)

East Grinstead’s ambitions to get back into Europe came a little closer today as they moved three points ahead in the Men’s Premier Division thanks to wins over Robinsons (8-6) and Beeston (6-4). Bournville, who play their outdoor hockey in Division One, moved up into second place after beating Hull 5-2 and Reading 4-2. Loughborough Students drop down a placs after losing to Old Louhgtonians 5-4. Earlier in the day they had beaten Robinsons 5-2.

Men’s Indoor EHL Premier Division after first weekend (50% of matches played):

1. East Grinstead 12 pts (+9)
2. Bournville 9 pts (+6)
3. Loughborough Students 7 pts (+6)
4. Canterbury 7 pts (-3)
5. Beeston 6 pts (+5)
6. Old Loughtonians 6 pts (+0)
7. Robinsons 3 pts (-5)
8. Reading 3 pts (-6)
9. Hull 0 pts (-12)

OUR PICTURE SHOWS BOWDON HIGHTOWN’S JULIE HOPE ON THE ATTACK DURING THEIR MATCH AGAINST SUTTON COLDFIELD. FURTHER PICTURES WILL APPEAR ON OUR MAIN WEB SITE (www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk) TOMORROW (MONDAY).