Reading will almost certainly progress through to the second round of the EuroHockey League after their match against fellow-Brits, Western Wildcats. On a freezing cold evening here in Lille, Reading made most of the running but were only rewarded with two first quarter goals, the first from Austin Smith in open play and the second from a penalty corner from Richard Mantell. Reading will play the match fancied Rotterdam on Sunday, but two sides qualify from each pool and unless Wildcats can achieve the near impossible by beating Rotterdam tomorrow, Reading's place looks assured.
Scotland's Kelbourne, who are in the same pool at East Grinstead, took an early lead against Waterloo Ducks, but went on to lose the match 4-1 to the Belgians. The suprise result of the day was the outsiders from Ireland, Three Rock Rovers, who held top Spanish side Atletic Terrassa to a 0-0 draw. The Spaniards had a goal disallowed after it was refered to the video umpire and managed to put a penalty stroke wide.
English interest tomorrow will centre on East Grinstead, who will play Waterloo Ducks in Pool F.
