In our report of last weekend's matches we expressed doubts as to whether newly promoted Canterbury and Booklands MU have what it takes to stay in the Men's Premier Division, and this afternoon saw our worst fears come true.
Canterbury travelled to Beeston, where they were on the receiving end of a comprehensive beating. Simon Egerton found the net four times, in their 7-1 defeat. Brooklands fared slightly better at home to Cannock, losing 1-3. Brooklands, two games into the season, are wedged at the bottom of the table on zero points. Canterbury are in a more flattering seventh place, thanks to last weekend's win against the Manchester side.
The other club on zero points is Surbiton. TalkHockeyRadio was at Sugden Road to see them entertain Loughborough Students. In torrential rain Surbiton got off to an encouraging start with an eighth minute goal from Robert Schilling. But the writing was on the wall for Surbiton as the Students won penalty corner after penalty corner. Their reward came just before half time when Simon Faulkner scored from a corner just before half time. Showing no little skill, many of Loughborough's attacking moves were broken down by some ill judged passing but their reward came just before the final whistle when Faulkner found the net again from a penalty corner. Final score, 1-2 to Loughborough Students. The three points moves the Students into third place. Photographs from this match will appear on our pictures site at www.HockeyImages.co.uk soon.
The other games in the Premier Division saw a close tussle between Reading and East Grinstead, with Reading going into the second half with a 2-1 lead. Reading then suffered a four goal blitz from 'Grinstead and, despite staging a late rally with goals from Darren Cheesman and Richard Mantell, they ran out 4-5 losers. East Grinstead are in second place in the table, separated on goal difference from Beeston.
After two matches, only Wimbledon in the East Conference has a 100% record. Wimbledon played their match against Teddington yesterday, which they won 3-4. Richmond lost their opportunity to join them at the top when their match was abandoned after seven minutes due to rain.
In the North Conference there is no shortage of clubs enjoying a 100% record, with Bowdon, Sheffield Hallam, University of Durham and Belper all winning this afternoon. University of Durham's victims were newly promoted Khalsa, who they beat 1-3, leaving Khalsa with zero points.
In the West Conference, only one side has maximum points. Guildford snatched their second win of the season with a 1-4 scoreline against Whitchurch. The local derby between Havant and Fareham ended 2-6 to Fareham, which places Fareham second on four points, but leaves Havant propping up the table.
Full result and tables can be found on our main web site at www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk.
