A side that has often been accused of underachieving
qualified for the EuroHockey League for the first time this afternoon. Surbiton
beat Cantebury 5-3 at Reading this afternoon in the semi finals of NOW Pensions
Championship play-offs. Reaching tomorrow’s final assures them of one of the
three qualification places on offer.
The other semi-final was won by Beeston after their match
against Canterbury ended 2-2 in normal time. The matter was finally decided on
a penalty shoot-out. Canterbury play Reading
for third place and European qualification tomorrow.
Reading also hosted the men’s promotion play-offs today. Southgate increased their chances of staying
in the Premier Division with a 3-5 win over Wimbledon, although the three
points leaves them in third place.
Sheffield Hallam drew their match against Cardiff and UWIC 4-4. The play-off table with only tomorrow’s
matches to complete the tournament, is: 1. Sheffield Hallam 4pts (+3), 2.
Wimbledon 3 pts (+1), 3. Southgate 3pts (-1), 4. Cardiff and UWIC 1pt (-3).
Two clubs qualify for the Premier Division in 2013/2014.
In the men’s Relegation Play-offs this afternoon, Whitchurch
drew against Doncaster 2-2 and, with only one point from their two games, are
relegated. The fate of Doncaster, who
have one point, will depend on the outcome of their match against Cambridge City,
who have three. Only one of the three sides will remain in the Conferences next
season.
Photographs from the Championship Finals and the remaining
Promotion Play-off matches will appear on our pictures site at www.HockeyImages.co.k on Monday
morning.
In the women’s Relegation Play-offs, Staines beat Cannock
2-1 and are relegated.
