READING GRAB PREMIERSHIP TITLE ON FINAL DAY

Both championship and relegation issues went to the wire as the last games were played in the Men’s EHL this afternoon. If the organisers had written the script back in October, they could hardly have done better. This morning Cannock were leading the Premier Division by two points and faced second-placed Reading to decide the championship. The game went without score until the 26^th minute, when Simon Mantell scored from the penalty spot. Andrew Brogdon put the sides on level terms early in the second half, but Matt Armitage secured the win and the championship for Reading with a field goal with seven minutes left on the clock. The other end of the division was equally intriguing, with Canterbury occupying the relegation play-off position, one point behind Belper. Surprisingly it was already relegated Guildford who found a Get-Out-of-Gaol card for Canterbury by beating Belper 3-2, all of Guildford’s goals coming from Danny Hall. Meanwhile Canterbury saw off Beeston, despite being 2-1 down at half time. Their eventual 4-3 win puts them in the eighth place and secure for another year. Belper will now go forward to the play-offs to retain their Premier Division status.

Belper will not find the play-offs easy, as they will meeting Bowdon from Division One. Although first and second place were already decided in this division, Bowdon finished off their season is fine form by beating Brooklands 8-2. Havant are already promoted. At the bottom of Division One Holcombe and Teddington are already relegated. Chelmsford had a last ditch opportunity to escape the relegation play-offs by winning 4-2 at Holcombe but the club they were chasing, Southgate, won 5-1 at Teddington, leaving the Essex side one point adrift from safety.

In the EHL North Divivision the two top teams, Sheffield UB and Barford Tigers, met with nothing to decide other than the glory of winning the last match. Barford managed to beat the Bankers 4-3, but remain in the play-off place, fourteen points ahead of Doncaster in third place. The bottom of the table remains unchanged, with Lichfield and Nottingham relegated and Sheffield Hallam in the relegation play-off spot. In the South, Old Georgians are already promoted and Oxted are in the play-off place, but it was all change at the other end of the table. It was a sad goodbye to St Albans, who had a slim chance of escape but were beaten 7-4 by Ipswich. Oxford Hawks, who this morning were in the drop zone, managed to put six passed mid-table Whitchurch for a reply of two, and move up into the play-off slot. This result relegates Plymouth Marjon, who were beaten 5-1 by University of Birmingham.

Full EHL league tables will appear on our site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk later today.

TRIUMPH AND TEARS ON FINAL DAY OF WOMEN'S EHL

It was the final day in the Women’s EHL today and triumph or tears for a number of sides. Leicester were already winners of the Premiership before today but a win away against Canterbury would have put the icing on the cake. Canterbury had ideas of their own about the icing. But this was a match that explained why Leicester are top and Canterbury are third in the table. Canterbury had all the early running but failed to find the net. It was during one of the comparably few forays into the Canterbury twenty-five that Kerry Williams was fouled and umpire Louise Knipe, umpiring her last EHL match, signalled for a penalty corner, which was converted by Anne Panter. Canterbury continued to have much of the run of play and eleven minutes after the re-start Cathy Gilliat-Smith converted a penalty corner to makes honours even. Two minutes later Susannah Townsend gave Canterbury the lead with a shot that nearly pulled the net off its uprights. Briefly it looked like it might be Canterbury’s day, but with eight minutes left on the clock Ann Panter struck again, this time from open play, to make the final score 2-2. Some people claim that women’s hockey is boring – and sometimes they are right – but even from two teams who can play better than this was an intriguing and entertaining game. Our photograph shows Leicester skipper, Julia Sawkings, receiving the Premiership trophy from match official Sue Bodycombe.

At the bottom end of the table it was really a matter of deciding who was automatically relegated and who had the lifeline of a play-off place. Bottom placed Doncaster lost 3-0 at Olton, whilst Sutton Coldfield managed a 3-3 draw against Chelmsford, with Jane Sixsmith scoring a hat trick and briefly giving Sutton a lead. Doncaster are relegated and Sutton Coldfield go through to the play offs. There they will meet Clifton from Division One, who beat bottom placed Horsham 2-1. Clifton could have overtaken leaders Poynton, but Poynton managed to beat Firebrands 3-0. Barnes, who had led Division One for much of the season, were able to win against mid-table Harleston Magpies, 3-2, with Harriet Preest scoring twice for Barnes, but their recent failure to gain points means they will have to wait until next season for a chance of promotion. Horsham and Firebrands were already relegated from this division, but the relegation play-off place was decided when Birmingham University drew 0-0 at Sunderland. Loughborough Students, who had previously occupied the play-off slot, redeemed themselves with a 3-0 win against Trojans. As a result it is Birmingham University whose fate will be decided at the play-offs

The top spot in the North EHL had already been decided, with Durham University being promoted. But their 1-1 result against Belper, and the 1-1 result between Preston and Aldridge, means that Aldridge and Belper stay in second and third place respectively and so Aldridge have the play-off spot. Preston were already stranded in the play-off place for relegation from the EHL. Worcester and Chester are relegated. In the South, Reading are clear winners with St Albans already qualified for a play-off place. The two relegation slots were already booked by Wimbledon and Southampton, with only the relegation play-off place to be decided. Exmouth could only draw 0-0 against Southampton. Had the score been different at Exmouth, Bournemouth’s Louise Partridge would be kicking herself for hitting the upright from a 48^th minute penalty stroke in their surprise 1-1 draw against St Albans. A win by Exmouth would have left Bournemouth and not Exmouth entering the relegation play-offs.

Full league tables will appear on our main web site, www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk, tomorrow (Sunday),

TWO RED CARDS MAR TOP VERSUS BOTTOM CLASH

Being relegated out of the North or South Divisions of the EHL means an end to national league hockey, or at least for a season, but with a single match left to play only one club knows for certain that they are taking the drop. Today (Sunday) all three clubs at the bottom of the North Division lost. Nottingham, who are already relegated, had salt rubbed into the wound when they met second placed Barford Tigers and fell victim to four goals by the irrepressible Jimmy Singh for a reply of two. This match was marred by the red carding of Nottingham’s Tom Oliver and Tiger’s Ravinder Sandhu following a violent confrontation just before the break. Barford started out the day having already booked a play-off place but are unable to catch leaders Sheffield UB, who also won today 3-2 against Harrogate. Tenth placed Sheffield Hallam and eleventh placed Lichfield still have the lifeline of a play-off place to play for. Hallam are three points ahead of Lichfield but with a five goal advantage on goal difference. Both clubs are due to play opponents next Sunday from the lower end of the table.

In the South, Old Georgians are already promoted with a ten point advantage over second placed Oxted, and a goal difference of 65. Oxted have booked their play-off place by virtue of their 5-1 win over Ipswich, who are on the edge of the relegation zone. Just like elsewhere in the league, the final fixtures have thrown up some life and death confrontations, including today’s meeting of the two bottom clubs, Oxford Hawks and St Albans. Hawks put six past the Saints for no reply and move off bottom spot. Plymouth Marjon are stuck in the play-off spot, two points behind Ipswich. In theory, for all four bottom clubs, it depends on the last match and the play-offs. St Albans meet Ipswich next Sunday, Hawks play fifth placed Whitchurch, and Plymouth play University of Birmingham.

Full updated league tables will be posted to our main site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk later today.

ONE WEEK TO GO AND SOME ISSUES STILL TO BE DECIDED

The penultimate round of matches in the women’s EHL has seen some issues settled. Slough who were lying second this morning have cemented themselves a European place by beating Bowdon Hightown 2-1. Third placed Canterbury won their match against Chelmsford from a single goal by Hayley Brown in the dying seconds, but they remain four points adrift of Slough. Leicester remain at the top of the table after their 4-0 win at Ipswich. At the other end of the table there had been a theoretical possibility that Sutton Coldfield could avoid a play-off place, but Old Loughtonians move up two places by beating Olton 2-0. Sutton slugged out a 0-0 draw against bottom placed Doncaster, which leaves neither club with a chance of avoiding either the drop or the play-offs.

In Division One Barnes Hounslow Ealing have had a disastrous end of season run and over the last few weeks have slipped from first to fourth. They lost again today 1-0 against Clifton, who move up into second place. Cath Linaker, who was once more on target for Poynton, scored two of her side’s goals in a 3-1 win over bottom placed Horsham. Poynton are now guaranteed at least a play-off place, with the other contenders being Clifton, Sunderland and Barnes. At the basement end of the table Firebrands and Horsham are already relegated, the only place in contention being the play-off to stay in the division, a slot currently occupied by Loughborough Students, who lost 1-0 today against Harleston Magpies.

Issues in the South Division are already decided, with Reading going up and St Albans going to the play-offs. Wimbledon and Southampton leave the EHL next season, as do Worcester and Chester in the North. Durham University are promoted from the North Division, but the play-off place has still to be decided between Aldridge and Belper. Aldridge, who are one point ahead of Belper, meet Preston who are in the relegation play offs next week, whilst Belper still have a meeting with Durham University.

THERE WAS ALSO ACTION IN THE MEN’S EHL TODAY with matches being played in the top two divisions. Issues in the Men’s Premier are due to go to the wire, with the first and second slots being fought out between Cannock and Reading. Cannock’s Andrew Langlands scored a hat-trick in his sides 6-2 defeat of relegated Guildford, whilst Reading were on scoring form at Hampstead, beating the home side 5-2, despite a missed penalty stroke by Reading’s Simon Lanyon. This season fixture list has thrown up some intriguing end-of-season meetings, none more so than Reading v Cannock next Sunday. Canterbury’s get out of gaol card went missing when they met fellow relegation strugglers Belper and came of the worse in a 7-3 result. They can still theoretically avoid the play-off slot if Belper lose against Guildford next weekend, but on today’s result that seems unlikely.

Barnes are not the only club to have been suffering from end of season blues. Bowdon, who have been leaders in men’s Division One for most of the season, lost 4-1 to third placed Old Loughtonians, but are still guaranteed a play-off place. Leaders Havant went on an extraordinary twelve goal spree against Bournville, who were in fourth place this morning, with hat-tricks from Ben Allberry (4) and Callum Giles (3). The England Performance Director’s son, Simon Faulkner, was also amongst the scorers. If Holcombe had any chance of avoiding the drop it would have been against already relegated Teddington, who until this morning had not picked up a single point. Teddington now have a point, thanks to a two-all draw. Southgate move up one place, leaving Chelmsford in the play-off slot, courtesy of a 4-2 win over Brooklands, and there is now a five point gap between Holcombe and Chelmsford, which means Holcombe are relegated. Southgate meet Teddington next Sunday whilst Chelmsford meet Holcombe. The survival of Southgate and Chelmsford will depend on the outcomes.

A full set of league tables will be posted to our main site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk tomorrow evening (Sunday).

HAVANT'S TEN GOAL STORM PUTS THEM IN LEAD

In the words of the song, what a difference a day makes. Only forty-eight hours ago Bowdon were leading Men’s Division One. Yesterday’s top of the table clash against Havant resulted in Bowdon conceding first place, but only on goal difference. Today (Sunday) Havant played their game in hand against luckless Teddington, and put ten passed the struggling Londoners for no reply, of which Ahmed Ezz Mohamed was the leading scorer with five. None of the remaining fixtures look particularly attractive for either side’s prospects, but realistically Bowdon need two straight wins to stay in with a chance of taking the automatic promotion spot. Havant’s goal difference benefited from today’s meeting and stands at +40 as opposed to Bowdon’s +24. Although both clubs are guaranteed either a promotion or a play-off spot, yesterday’s match between Guildford and Canterbury demonstrated that there are no easy pickings amongst the bottom Premier Division sides.

It is not only in the Men’s Premier that this weekend has thrown up matches against the bottom sides. In the EHL North today, Lichfield beat bottom placed Nottingham to give themselves a slim hope of a play-off place.

Full EHL league tables will be posted to our main website later today.

HALL'S 200th NOT ENOUGH TO RESCUE GUILDFORD by Peter Savage

With only three more games to finish the season the fixture list has contrived to give some of the clubs in the basement end of the Men’s Premier Division a lifeline by pitting them against each other. If points are to be found this is where to find them. This afternoon bottom placed Guildford played hosts to their nearest rivals for the wooden spoon, Canterbury. To watch the first few minutes of the match you would not have thought that Guildford were the team with one foot over the edge of the precipice. They played with confidence and verve, and it was very much against the run of play that Greg Nicol opened the scoring for the visitors with a goal from open play in the eleventh minute. Most of the home crowd were hoping not just for a win but to see skipper Danny Hall (pictured here in the maroon shirt) to score his 200^th league goal. Hall duly obliged by netting the ball after a fine solo run and then followed up with his 201^st minutes later. But it was a transformed Canterbury side that came out after the break. Matthews converted a penalty corner a few minutes after the re-start and in the last few minutes of the match he scored a second followed by Nicols’ second just before the whistle. Guildford meet Belper, who lost 7-1 to East Grinstead today, in two weeks time, but in the meantime they have to play top-placed Cannock who beat Surbiton 4-1. Belper play Canterbury next weekend and Canterbury’s last match is against out-of form Beeston. I’m not a betting man but my money would be on surviving and Guildford and Canterbury being in the relegation / play-off zone.

The Women’s Premier has become a bit predictable these days, something which is evidenced by the eight point gap between the top four clubs and the rest of the pack. It is only the scorelines which raise eyebrows. 2-0 is a modest score by Leicester standards but their win against Olton was enough to maintain a four point lead at the head of the table. Bowdon Hightown have kept up their high scoring ways with a 6-1 victory over Ipswich, the most remarkable feature of this game being that there were six different scorers on the score sheet. Canterbury beat bottom placed Doncaster 3-0, whilst Slough beat Chelmsford 3-2.

Last Wednesday TalkHockeyRadio was posted to our web site with an piece about the front runners in Division 1. Today, both clubs featured have lost their top spot. In the women’s league Barnes last by a single goal at Sunderland and have been replaced by Poynton, whose Cath Linaker scored all four goals against Trojans. Bowdon met second placed Havant in the men’s league and came off the worse through goals by Ahmed Ezz Mohamed, Calum Giles, and Ben Allbery. Bowdon recorded one goal courtesy of David Egerton. Bowdon and Havant are now only separated by a goal difference of six, with Havant having a game in hand, and the nearest chasing club cannot now catch them.

Full EHL league tables will appear on our main website at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk tomorrow.

BOWDON WIN SEMI FINAL PLACE

Bowdon, who are currently leading the EHL First Division, took a notable scalp in the quarter finals of the EH Cup when they knocked out Loughborough Students 3-2 in extra time this afternoon (Sunday). Pakistan international, Ali Ghazanfar, scored all of Bowdon’s goals from penalty corners. The other Div 1 teams left in the contest were less lucky. Havant lost 2-3 to Surbiton and Cannock overcame Bourneville 4-1. In the all Premier match East Grinstead won at Canterbury 7-3. There was also a women’s quarter final match played today, in which potential promotion candidates from Division 1 overcame Chelmsford with a single goal.

In the league Old Georgians won the top of the table EHL South Division clash against Oxted 2-1 and have opened up a 10 point gap. In the North Division the leaders, Sheffield University Bankers and Barford Tigers are well ahead of the pack, despite second placed Barford losing 6-3 against Formby in sixth place. David Seddon scored five of Formby’s goals, including two penalty strokes.

Full league tables will be posted to our main site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk later this evening.

EHL Roundup for 3 March

Today (Saturday) saw a full programme of EHL matches as the league season moves towards its climax. In the women's Premier Division free scoring teams Bowdon and Leicester met, with the honours going 3-2 to Leicester, with two goals from Helen Richardson and one from Hannah Macleod. The East Anglian derby between Chelmsford and Ipswich finished in a 2-2 drawer, whilst Olton scored a surprising victory against third-placed Canterbury. Near the bottom of the table Doncaster won 2-1 against Old Loughtonians, whilst the bottom team, Sutton Coldfield suffered a 5-1 defeat at the hands of second place Slough.

In the men's Premier, leaders Cannock put six passed third placed Loughborough Students for a reply of three, whilst struggling Belper could find no reply against second placed Reading, who also scored six. Beeston, who at one time were at the top of the division, were held to a surprise 2-2 draw by visitors Guildford. East Grinstead's hopes of Championship glory were dashed when they were also a 3-3 draw by Hampstead. Canterbury picked up a useful point with a 2-2 finish against Surbiton but remain in deep trouble on eight points.

In men's Division 1 Bowdon suffered only their second defeat of the season, going down 2-1 to Bath. They are three points ahead of second placed Havant, who won an thirteen goal thriller against Chelmsford 8-5, with hat-tricks from Callum Giles and Ezz.

Full EHL table will appear on our main site at www,talkhockeyradio.co.uk on Sunday.

PLUCKY GRINSTEAD TAKE SILVER by Peter Savage in Brussels

Every English man and woman in the hall must have bitten their fingernails down to the elbow watching a plucky but nerve-jangling display of hockey by East Grinstead this afternoon. Playing in the European Indoor Clubs' Trophy here in Brussels it took almost an entire half before anyone found the net and to the relief of the large number of travelling supporters the scorer was Scott Ashdown (pictured here with coach Richard Organ). However, it did not take long for their Ukrainian opponents from Kolos Sekvoya to get back into the match. The goal drought resumed in the second half, with both teams menacing their opponents goal, but with five minutes left on the clock it was Ashley Jackson who showed just what a talent he is both indoors and out. It only took seconds for Jackson to put his name of the scoresheet for a second time, when he slipped his marker and pushed the ball under the goalkeeper to make the score 3-1. Darren Cheeseman, who has not always looked at his best playing on the boards, finally found his form and gave East Grinstead a fourth in the dying seconds.

Although this is only the B division of this competition, East Grinstead have recorded a considerable achievement in coming second. The winners, Swiss club Lucerne, play regularly indoors and their experience was very much in evidence throughout the three days of this tournament. East Grinstead have not only won silver but gained England promotion to the A division of this competition. They now hand over the baton to Canterbury, who as NIA winners last month qualify to play in Europe. Grinstead manager Matt Jones had one word of advice for Canterbury, "Prepare".

Chelmsford, playing in the women's A division of this competition, managed to avoid relegation for England by beating Campo de Madrid in their final match and finishing 6th.

In the men's EHL this afternoon all the matches went predictably, with Surbiton, Cannock, Loughborough Students and Reading recording victories. East Grinstead did not play by virtue of their European involvement over the weekend. Guildford, Canterbury and Belper are deep in the problem zone and need to pick up some points in what remains of the season.

DE PREZ NETS FOUR IN GRINSTEAD REVIVAL by Peter Savage in Brussels

East Grinstead showed real character to stage a comeback after a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Swiss side Lucerne in the European Indoor Clubs Trophy in Brussels this morning. Playing the winners of Pool B, SK Slavia Praha, they got off to a nervous start, clearly having been rattled by the earlier defeat of the day. Despite David De Prez having found the goal in the second minute, the Czechs looked menacing in the opening exchanges and it was not long before they were on equal terms. The English side had plenty of chances – an Ashley Jackson shot was scraped off the line and Scott Ashdown shaved the post just before the break – but it looked very much like a match that could have gone either way. The second half was a completely different story. Jackson was off target by inches just after the restart, but two goals in less than a minute from De Prez put Grinstead back in the driving seat. Jackson found the net at last in the 28^th minute, shortly before the Czechs scored their second to make the score 4-2. It was then that Jackson scored a stunner of a goal. Picking up pass from his right from Scott Ashdown he found his path blocked by the goalkeeper, but he calmly backed away and slid the ball passed the stranded goalie. In the 40^th minute De Prez added to his tally to make the final score 6-2. Under the complex rules of this competition, East Grinstead now have an excellent chance of grabbing Silver and winning England promotion to the Cup competition next year, where our representatives will be Canterbury. They play the Ukrainian side Kolos Sekvoya Vinnitsa tomorrow.

Although this is the “B” competition, East Grinstead have demonstrated over the last few days that they can play indoor hockey – not simply hockey indoors. After the match the EG manager Matt Jones told me, “I’m absoulutely delighted. We showed real character to come back from a setback like that this morning.”

OTHER HOCKEY, by Pat Rowley

England’s Cath Gilliat-Smith scored her first hat-trick of the season for Canterbury in a 5-1 home win over Old Loughtonians to keep her Kent club in the hunt for the Slazengers English League title. She scored her first inside three minutes. Julia Henry gave Loughtonian’s hope with an equaliser early in the second half but Canterbury cruised home. With Bowdon without a game, Canterbury move up to third behind leaders Leicester and Slough who both had clearcut home victories. Leicester, two up in six minutes through Helen Richardson and Kerry Williams, beat struggling Sutton Coldfield 4-1 while Slough were 5-2 victors over Doncaster.

Chelmsford Ladies face play-offs to avoid relegation in the European Indoor Cup after losing 5-3 to Dutch club Kampong at Hamburg.

THE LEAGUE TABLES ON OUR MAIN SITE WILL NOT BE UPDATED UNTIL MONDAY AT THE EARLIEST DUE TO OUR COVERAGE OF THE EUROPEAN INDOOR CLUBS TROPHY.

PLUCKY POLES LOSE TO GERMANY

Poland stunned the favourites, Germany, in the men’s final of the second Indoor World Cup in Vienna this afternoon. Having held the Germans at bay for 17 minutes, the Poles suddenly struck through a field goal by Dariusz Malecki. For what remained of the half the Polish supporters had every reason to believe that their side might make it two, but the Germans came out with all guns blazing in the second half, with Benedict Sperling scoring after two minutes of play. Despite the Poles showing some enterprise, their opponents started to take control of the match and went into the lead after 36 minutes with a goal from Mortitz Fuerste. Two more goals by the Germans put pay to Poland’s hope of the gold, but for a nation who has not featured as a top international side outdoors, the Poles will come away with a lot of credit from this tournament. The bronze was won by Spain with a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic.

The biggest surprise in the women’s tournament was the absence of the Germans from the final, which pitted Spain against the Netherlands. The Dutch confirmed their dominance of the women’s game by securing a 4-2 victory. Germany beat the Ukraine 5-2 to win the bronze. Scotland finished 8^th.

IN THE ENGLISH PREMIER DIVISION there were no real surprises this afternoon. Cannock beat East Grinstead 3-2, EG having come back from a 2-0 deficit at half time. Bottom of the table put up a creditable fight against Loughborough Students, losing 2-3, whilst Surbiton picked up a useful three points against Belper, whilst the mid-table clash between Beeston and Hampstead went Hampstead’s way, 3-2.

Full league tables for the weekend are not posted to our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk

CHELMSFORD GIVE LEICESTER A REALITY CHECK

REPORT ON SATURDAY'S HOCKEY BY PAT ROWLEY

Reading moved to the top of the Slazengers English League in the only men’s premier match yesterday, winning 7-4 win at Canterbury. David Mathews completed a hat-trick early in the second half to give the Kent club a 4-2 lead but then Reading took control. Cannock can regain top spot if they beat fellow title challengers East Grinstead at Hathersage today.

Leicester’s run of nine successive victories in the women’s premier came to an end. The champions were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Chelmsford side at Chelmer Park. Mid-table Chelmsford made it four points our of six against Leicester this winter and were worth their draw, though helped by a foot injury which side-lined Leicester’s star player, Crista Cullen, for most of the second half. Leicester led inside six minutes but Chelmsford buckled down and Chloe Rogers magic saw her side draw level early in the second half. Free scoring Leicester – 22 goals in their previous two games – now head the women’s premier by only three points. The three chasing clubs all won. High scoring this week came from nearest rivals Bowdon and Canterbury, both 7-1 away winners while Slough won 3-2 at Olton with a late goal by Alex Danson. [Our photograph shows Kerry Williams scoring for Leicester].

THE GERMAN WOMEN lost their title at the World Indoor Championships in Vienna when beaten 4-3 by Spain in the semi-finals. And Spain nearly upset Germany in the men’s semi-finals too. The Germans squeezed through 3-2. Netherlands play Germany in today’s women’s final while Germany’s men meet Poland.

Full league tables will appear on our main site tomorrow evening, plus photographs from the Chelmsford v Leicester match. Go to our main site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk

GERMANS AND DUTCH REACH SEMIS ON MAXIMUM POINTS

The pool stages are over and we now know who will be in the semi finals of the second Indoor World Cup in Vienna sponsored by Samsung. In the men’s tournament the Germans completed the pool stages undefeated. Leading Pool A, they will play Spain who finished second in Pool B. The other semi final will be between Poland, who finished top of Pool B one point ahead of Spain, and the Czech Republic. Both semi finals will be played tomorrow afternoon (Saturday).

In the women’s tournament will also include Germany and Spain in the semi finals. Leaders on maximum points in Pool A, Germany will play Spain. The Netherlands – a nation not unknown for outstanding performances outdoors – have shown they are just as home indoors. They too finished on maximum points at the top of Pool B and they will meet the Ukraine tomorrow

GERMANS TAKE MAXIMUM POINTS ON DAY THREE

It was a day for the Germans in the World Cup in Vienna today (Thursday). They lead Pool A in both the men’s and the women’s tournament on maximum points. The men managed 8-2 victories over both Russia and Switzerland, whilst the women also finished their match against the Czech Republic on 8-2 and went on to beat the Ukraine 10-2. The hosts, Austria, who had a good start to the men’s tournament, threw away a lead against Spain to lose their match 6-4. Scotland’s women drew against Australia 2-2 and beat the Czech Republic 5-1 and are third in Pool A. Men’s Pool A has three teams on nine points, Poland, Austria, and Spain, whilst in Women’s Pool B, the Netherlands and Spain are both on nine points.

The following are the full results of today’s play in Vienna

Men, pool A:

Czech Republic – Australia 7:2 (4:1)
Germany – Russia 8:2 (5:0)
Switzerland – Trinidad & Tobago 6:1 (3:0)
Czech Republic – Russia 5:4 (4:3)
Germany – Switzerland 8:2 (3:0)
Australia – Trinidad & Tobago 5:1 (2:0)

Men, pool B:
Poland – Italy 8:0 (2:0)
Canada – Austria 4:7 (2:2)
Spain – Poland 2:6 (1:3)
Italy – South Africa 7:4 (3:0)
Austria – Spain 4:6 (3:2)

Women, pool A:

Scotland – Australia 2:2 (2:2)
Germany – Czech Rep. 8:2 (5:1)
Italy – Ukraine 3:5 (1:4)
Australia – Italy 5:3 (1:1)
Ukraine – Germany 2:10 (1:4)
Scotland – Czech Republic 5:1 (3:0)

Women, pool B:

Belarus – Spain 1:3 (0:1)
Netherlands – Canada 4:2 (2:1)
Spain – Austria 5:3 (2:2)
Belarus – South Africa 7:1 (5:0)
Austria – South Africa 5:0 (1:0)

INDOOR WORLD CUP OPENS IN VIENNA

East Grinstead’s Kwane Brown opened the scoring in the second Indoor World Cup this afternoon (Wednesday) in Vienna. Playing for Trinidad and Tobago, he stunned the favourites by putting his side one-nil up against Germany in the third minute. However, the Germans soon got into their stride and eventually won 2-9. In their second match of the tournament the Germans found themselves on level terms with the Czech Republic with only seconds left on the clock. After a few moments of indiscipline the Czechs found themselves down to four men, a numerical advantage which the Germans pounced on immediately. Final score 3-2 to Germany. The highest scoring match in the men’s pools came from hosts, Austria, who put eleven passed South Africa for the reply of one. Earlier in the day they had beaten Italy 5-3. As a result of today’s matches Germany lead Pool A ahead of Russia. Pool B has two teams on maximum points, Austria and Spain, with Austria leading on goal difference.

In the women’s tournament Germany demonstrated that Australia was not a nation devoted to indoor hockey as they trounced their opposition 12-0. The Germans then went on to beat Italy 13-1. Top place in Pool A is shared with the Ukraine, who beat the Czech Republic 7-2 and Scotland 10-4. In their other match today Scotland beat Italy 6-5. In Pool B the Netherlands are the only team on maximum points.

EAST GRINSTEAD IN WEEKEND GOAL SPREE

The return of Darren Cheeseman and Ashley Jackson from GB duties in Australia gave a weekend boost to East Grinstead’s prospects of winning the Premiership. It was a double header weekend for Grinstead and Canterbury, with Grinstead taking the honours 7-3, Jackson finding the net four times. Jackson was on target again this afternoon (Sunday) with two penalty corner strikes as his side put nine passed bottom-placed Guildford for no reply. However, it was Dave de Prez whose shooting power notched up the goals for EG, with a personal tally of four. Loughborough Students added to Canterbury’s misery by beating them 6-1, whilst top placed Cannock saw off Beeston 5-1. Surbiton and Read defied a high scoring weekend by finishing their match goalless. The top four continue to run away from the pack with three points separating the first four sides. In Division 1, Bowdon were too much for luckless Teddington, punishing them 9-2 for some sloppy passing and the absence of teamwork. Pakistan international Ali Ghazanfar (pictured) scored a hat-trick.

By some strange coincidence, both men’s and women’s division ones saw a meeting of the top and bottom placed teams. We have photographs of the matches between Teddington and Bowdon, and Horsham and Barnes, on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk. You will also find a full set of EHL league tables from the weekend’s action.

AND THE BLITZ GOES ON

Two matches in the Women's EHL Premier Division produced no less than twenty-three goals. Bowdon Hightown's Tina Cullen found the net five times in her sides 9-1 thrashing of Olton & West Warwickshire. That was nothing compared with events at Leicester, where the home side put eleven passed Old Loughtonians for a reply of two. Slough could only draw 1-1 against Canterbury, which means that Bowdon move above Slough. The match between Ipswich and Sutton Coldfield was postponed.

One of the surprise results of the day was in Women's Division 1, where table toppers Barnes met bottom of the table Horsham. In a goal-less match both teams got what they deserved - Horsham for some dogged defending and Barnes for a lack of enterprise. Barnes found the net once, only to have the goal disallowed, the umpires deciding that the ball had not been touched by a Barnes player in the 'D'. Clifton and Poynton both won their matches which means that Barnes drop to second place on the same points as Poynton. Pictures of this match appear on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk

Full league tables will appear on our main web site tomorrow (Sunday).

CANNOCK BLITZ BELPER IN EIGHT GOAL THRILLER

The high scoring results yesterday were replicated in the Men’s Premier Division this afternoon. Table toppers Cannock were trailing for twenty minutes to a Tom Sherratt goal at Belper, but Matt Taylor managed to put the sides on level terms at the break. The first ten minutes of the second half saw Cannock pile on the pressure, with goals from Andrew Brogdon and two from Martin Jones. Three more goals in the last ten minutes from Brogdon, Andrew Jones and Simon Ramsden sealed the home side’s fate. Final score 7-1. By comparison, second-placed Reading had a quiet game, beating third placed Loughborough Students 4-1. Surbiton, who have not had the best of seasons by their standards, met struggling Guildford and netted seven, with Matt Daly and James Mulcair being Surbiton’s scorers. Final score: 7-1. East Grinstead visited Beeston and in a see-saw match Grinstead took the lead, lost it, and then took it back again.

Bowdon seem unstoppable in Division One as they saw off Southgate 5-2. Teddington are still propping up the division , having lost 5-1 to Chelmsford.

Full EHL league tables will appear on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk soon.

CULLEN + CULLEN. IT'S A HIGH SCORING DAY IN THE WOMEN'S PREMIER

Crista Cullen celebrated being named 2006 Female Player of the Year last Monday with five goals for Leicester, the English League leaders and champions, as they thrashed relegation threatened Doncaster 11-1 at Bennethorpe. With three corner goals and two from open play, Cullen was just one short of Slough's Jane Smith's league record. Leicester were only the second club to score 11 in a premier match and their victory margin was also the second highest.No doubt they were spurred on when Doncaster took the lead through Emma Pledge inside four minutes. Anne Panter was the first of Leicester's scorers before Cullen got going. Their other scorers were Hannah Macleod (2), Rebecca Herbert and Vanessa Hawkins (2).

The top four in the women's premier all won. Slough, beaten 4-1 by Leicester a week ago, were a little flattered to see off Old Loughtonians 6-1. Canterbury defeated Ipswich 3-0 and Bowdon, with four goals from Tina Cullen, were 5-2 victors over Sutton.

Report by Pat Rowley.

Full EHL league tables will appear on our main site (www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk) on Sunday 4/2/07.

CULLEN AND TINDALL GRAB TOPS AWARDS

England internationals James Tindall and Crista Cullen scoped the honours at the annual Hockey Writers’ Club Awards in Wimbledon this afternoon. Making the presentations was David Luckes, former England and GB goalkeeper, who earlier in the afternoon had been awarded the Friskin Memorial Award For Outstanding Services To UK Hockey. Although the name of Luckes may not be familiar to many modern players, he has played a major part in gaining the Olympic Games for London in 2012. In recognition of this achievement he had been awarded the MBE in the Queens Birthday Honours last year. Tindall and Cullen were both awarded the prestigious Player of the Year award. Cullen makes history, as she is the first player win the award in consecutive years. A full report will appear soon in our on-line magazine HockeyTalk. Go to our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk for details.

In the men’s Premier Division the top three teams have drawn away from the pack, each on twenty-two points and only separated by goal difference. Leaders, Reading, put four passed East Grinstead for a reply of only one, whilst second placed Cannock managed to pull back a 1-3 deficit to beat visiting Canterbury 4-3. Third place Loughborough Students were also four goal winners against Surbiton – final score 4-1. Guildford’s dire season showed a glimmer of hope as they won 3-1 at Hampstead, but Beeston threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-3 to visiting Belper.

Round-up of Saturday in the EHL

This weekend sees the resumption of the EHL after its winter layoff. Saturday saw some intriguing and high scoring matches in the Women's Premier Division, with the leaders meeting in a five-goal clash which could have changed the top of the table. Second placed Slough, fresh from their success in the indoor finals, were hosts to top placed Leicester. Leicester's Hannah MacLeod opened the scoring afer 13 minutes but Slough were soon on even terms thanks to a Jane Smith goal. The scores stayed even until a few minutes into the second half, when Rebecca Herbert opened a six-minute goal spree which saw Slough concede three goals. Crista Cullen and Vicky Winters both converted penalty corners giving Leicester a 4-1 victory. This puts Leicester four points ahead of Slough, with Canterbury in third place.

Four goals also featured in two other Women's Premier matches. Ipswich put four passed struggling Docaster for a reply of one, with each teams' Jo Ellis getting on the score sheet. Out-of-form Chelmsford scored four against Old Loughtonians for no reply.

Full EHL tables as at end of play on 27/1/07 are available on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk. Go to the News page for the link.

Due to our presence at the Player of the Year Awards on 29/1/07 we will not be able to update the blog or web site with the results of today's (Sunday) matches until late tomorrow.

WEEKEND ROUND-UP

A single goal by Maartje Paumen was enough to give the Netherlands the gold medals in the BDO Women’s Champions’ Trophy in Quilmes yesterday. The Dutch stunned their opponents, Argentina, by taking the lead after only three minutes, and although they dominated the match for long periods they failed to find the net. The bronze place goes to Germany who beat Australia 2-0. Germany had been somewhat on the fringes during this tournament, despite managing a draw against the Dutch in the round-robin stage, and they will find some encouragement from what might be a return to form for the Olympic champions. Japan overcame Spain 2-0 to take 5^th place, both goals being scored by Rika Komazawa.

In the Indoor Finals at the NIA yesterday (Sunday) the Boys’ u16 final was won by the Perse School, who beat Sevenoaks 4-3. In the Girl’s u16 final, Belper HC beat Kingston Grammar 5-2. The Boy’s u18 final went to Ipswich School who ovecame Millfield 4-3 and in the Girl’s u18 Kings School, Canterbury beat Bromsgrove after a penalty stroke decider.

In the Women’s Final it was Slough’s year, as Jane Smith netted five of their seven goals against Bowdon Hightown. Final score 7-4. Canterbury men, who are having a difficult year outdoors, and despite having no training facilities available for indoor hockey, reverse the outcome of last year’s final by beating East Grinstead 7-6. Grinstead had gone into the break 5-4 up, but only managed to find the net once in the second period. Goals from David Matthews and Greg Nicol gave Canterbury their first indoor club championship.

CANTERBURY AND SLOUGH WIN INDOORS by Peter Savage at the NIA at Birmingham

It was a final that was identical in all respects from last year. Even the umpires were the same. The most important difference was the result. Canterbury won the indoor finals this evening for the first time in their history, beating East Grinstead 7-6. A full report will appear on this blog tomorrow. In the women's final Slough defeated Bowdon Hightown 7-4.

GIRLS TAKE GOLD IN AUSTRALIA

Great Britain's girls have taken gold in the finals of the Youth Olympics in Austalia. They won 4-2 in the final against the hosts, with goals from Haley Brown, Sarah Page (2), and Charlotte Craddock. The men's final was decided on penalties after the match finished at 2-2. The GB goals were scored by Ashley Jackson and Chris Griffiths.

The final of the Champions Trophy today (Sunday) will be between Netherlands and the hosts, Argentina. Argentina beat Australia 3-0 in the last of the round-robin matches. The Netherlands dropped points in their match against Germany, although observers of Dutch hockey will probably know that the Dutch were probably saving themselves for the final. The final score 1-1.

GB THROUGH TO FINALS OF YOUTH OLYMPICS

Tomorrow (Sunday) sees the second England Hockey indoor finals to be held at the National Indoor Arena at Birmingham. Women’s clubs Slough, Sutton Coldfield, Bowdon Hightown and Ipswich are through to the last four, as are East Grinstead, Reading, Loughborough Students, and Canterbury for the men. The women’s final will be at 17:40, followed by the men’s final at 19:00.

In the Youth Olympics in Australia Great Britain’s men completed the round-robin stage with a 2-1 victory over Malaysia. GB had gone 1-0 down just after the break and it was two goals in five minutes from Ashley Jackson, the first from a penalty stroke, which turned the game around. Final score 2-1 to GB. Laura Bartlett scored the only goal when the women took on New Zealand. Despite losing losing the match the women join the men in playing against their opposite numbers from Australia on Sunday.

The Champions’ Trophy comes to a conclusion this weekend, with only the Netherlands with a ticket booked for the final. The decider for the other place will rest on the outcome of the final round-robin match between Australia and Argentina today (Saturday). Argentina need a win or a draw to be playing the Dutch on Sunday. Their defeat would see Australia in the final. Fourth placed Germany are out of contention as a win against the Netherlands today could only hoist them to third place in the round-robin section.

Due to our presence at the NIA this Sunday, our results from the weekend may not appear on this blog until Monday.

DUTCH TAKE COMMANDING LEAD IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY

The Nethlerlands have assured themselves a place in the final of the BDO Champions Trophy in Quilmes (Argentina). Their latest scalp was Australia, who despite the modest final 1-0 scoreline, never seemed to seriously threaten the Dutch. This follows on from their victory over the hosts, who the Dutch beat 3-0 on Tuesday. The Netherlands are now on a maximum of 12 points from four matches with only Germany left to play. The Dutch dominance has left the rest of the pack trailing with Australia on 7 points, Argentina and Germany on 6, and Spain on 1. Debutantes Japan have yet to pick up a point and their best chance is probably against Spain on Saturday. There is no play in the Champions' Trophy today (Friday).

Our apologies to readers for failing to report on the Youth Olympics in Australia where GB men and women are competing. On Wednesday the men recorded a 3-0 victory over China, whilst the women went one better, winning 4-1 against China. Yesterday GB's women lost 2-1 to Australia, Suzie Gilbert being the GB scorer. The men fared better in their encounter with Australia, drawing 1-1 thanks to a Darren Cheeseman goal.

OUTSIDER'S SPAIN HOLD AUSSIES TO DRAW

Spain picked up their first point in the Women's Champions' Trophy in Quilmes today when they held Australia to a 2-2 draw. Halfway into the first half the Australians were 2-0 up, thanks to a field goal and a penalty corner conversion by Peta Gallagher, but before the half time hooter sounded Spain were able to pull one back from a penalty corner by Rocio Ybarra. A second half goal by Pilar Sanchez gave Spain the draw. Germany also picked up their first points, with a 1-0 win over Japan, courtesy of a field goal from Nadine Ernsting-Krienke. Undoubtedly the match of the day will be the clash between the hosts, Argentina, and the favourites from the Netherlands. Neither side has dropped a point to date. Due to the time difference the result of this match was not available when this blog was posted at 23:20 on 16/1/07.

GERMANY SHOW PROMISE BUT LOSE OUT TO AUSTRALIANS

There was no play in the Champions Trophy in Quilmes today. Due to the refurbishment work to our studio, we have not been able to upload yesterday's results until now.

Germany, who have taken a largely untested side to Argentina and still recovering from their 8th place in the World Cup, made a brave attempt against the Australians, but eventually lost 2-1. The Netherlands were too strong for Japan, winning 3-0, whilst in the all-Latin meeting, Agentina were the victors against Spain, 4-1.

The results so far leave three teams on six points, Argentina, the Netherlands, and Australia, and the rest of the pack on zero. The table will face a shake up in tomorrow's matches, when the Netherlands and Argentina meet,

WEEKEND ROUND-UP from the Indoor EHL and Champions Trophy

After the final matches in the Indoor EHL, champions East Grinstead will be making a return to the NIA next Sunday, having secured the top place in the Premier Division. Other qualifiers are Loughborough Students, Canterbury and Reading, giving the finals a repeat of last year’s line up. In the women’s competition, Chelmsford, who have dominated women’s indoor hockey in recent seasons, finished a disappointing 6^th, one ahead of Canterbury who were also at last year’s finals. Top spot was taken by Slough, followed by Bowden Hightown, Ipswich and Sutton Coldfield. Full final tables for the Indoor EHL appear here.

There were no surprises in the first days play in the women’s Champions’ Trophy is Quilmes (Argentina) yesterday. In the opening match, outsiders Spain took on favourites, the Netherlands. For much of the game the Spanish looked outclassed, but there were moments when they showed signs of getting back into the match. At 2-0 down through goals by Calijn Welten and Naomi Van As, Maria Romagosa stuck a penalty corner which dipped over the outstretched ‘keeper and hit the boards. A wounded Dutch team are usually a dangerous team, and the Dutch piled on the pressure, bringing some good saves from Maria Rosa in the Spanish goal, but with six minutes left on the clock Kim Lammers secured the three points for the Netherlands with a goal from open play. In the other matches, debutants Japan, lost to Australia 3-0, whilst the hosts saw off the Olympic champions, Germany, 2-0.

SECOND HALF REVIVAL GIVES GB VICTORY

Twenty minutes into the match between Great Britain and South Africa in Stellenbosch today, it looked as if GB were going to suffer their second defeat of this three match series. Leslie-Ann George had struck with two penalty corner conversions and it was not until minutes before the break that Crista Cullen pulled one back for Great Britain. The visitors struck again just after the re-start with a goal from a penalty corner by Leicester's Kerry Williams, and minutes later Cathy Gilliat-Smith gave GB the lead from a rebound from another penalty corner. Final score 3-2 to Great Britain, giving GB a 2-1 lead in the series.

Scots player Vikki Bunce won her first GB cap in this match.

This weekend sees the second round of matches in the Indoor EHL. Due to refurbishment work at the TalkHockeyRadio studios there may be a delay in bringing Saturday's results to you. We hope to be back in full action by Sunday evening.

NIGHTMARE SPELL GIVES SOUTH AFRICA VICTORY

Playing the second of a series of matches against South Africa in Stellenbosch, Great Britain went down 3-1 after a spell of play which GB coach Danny Kerry described as abominable. Chelmsford's Lisa Wooding opened the scoring from a penalty corner conversion but ten minutes into the second half GB threw away their one-goal lead when South Africa's skipper, Marsha Marescia, struck twice from penalty corners. With two minutes left on the clock, Shelley Russell added to the visitors' misery by scoring from open play. This is only the second defeat inflicted on Great Britain by South Africa in the history of meetings between these two sides

CULLEN STRIKES FOR GREAT BRITAIN

England's penalty corner specialist, Crista Cullen (pictured right), was on form for the first of three test matches between Great Britain and South Africa in Stellenbosch. Cullen opened the scoring in the 25th minute, but South Africa were able to reply just before the break with a field goal from Henna Du Buisson. It was a second corner conversion from Cullen towards the end of the second half which gave GB the 2-1 victory.

A number of England regulars earned their first GB caps in this match. Alex Danson, Sally Walton, Chloe Rogers, Lisa Wooding and Cathy Gilliat-Smith made their GB debuts, as did Alisa Robertson and Abi Walker of Scotland.

EHL INDOOR LEAGUE TABLES AFTER FIRST WEEKEND

Results from Sunday's Indoor EHL

The late arrival and results prevented us from bringing you the results of Sunday's play in the first weekend of the Indoor EHL. The following are the results. Updated league tables will appear here shortly.

EHL Men's Premier Division:

Results:
O.Loughtonians 3-4 E.Grinstead
Canterbury 7-3 Beeston
Guildford 5-5 Reading
Doncaster 5-9 Loughborough Students
Bournville 3-8 O.Loughtonians
E.Grinstead 4-4 Canterbury
Beeston 5-3 Guildford
Reading 5-4 Doncaster
Loughborough Students 5-5 Bournville

EHL Men's Division One

Results:
St Albans 3-1 Cannock
Robinsons 4-7 Hull
Surbiton 4-6 Birmingham Uni
Sheffield U B 2-2 Barford Tigers
Havant 7-7 St Albans
Cannock 0-6 Robinsons
Hull 5-4 Surbiton
Birmingham Uni 6-8 Sheffield U B
Barford Tigers 7-8 Havant

EHL Men's Division Two (North)

Results:
Stourport 5-3 Sheffield Hallam
Nottingham 11-4 Cheltenham
Wolverhampton 5-5 Harleston Magpies
Stourport 6-5 Cheltenham
Harleston Magpies 6-2 Sheffield Hallam
Wolverhampton 6-7 Nottingham
Stourport 2-8 Harleston Magpies
Wolverhampton 3-1 Cheltenham
Nottingham 10-3 Sheffield Hallam

EHL Men's Division Two (South):

Results:
Holcombe 4-5 Old Georgians
Bromley 5-1 Witham
Southgate 5-7 Old Mid-Witgiftian
Holcombe 5-1 Witham
Old Mid-Witgiftian 3-4 Old Georgians
Southgate 7-1 Bromley
Holcombe 1-6 Old Mid-Witgiftian
Southgate 6-3 Witham
Bromley 5-4 Old Georgians

EHL Women's Premier Division:
Results:
Chelmsford 3-7 Ipswich
Canterbury 4-5 Sutton Coldfield
Loughtonians 2-6 Slough
Leicester 3-10 Bowden Hightown
Olton & West Warwicks 7-6 Chelmsford
Ipswich 8-6 Canterbury
Sutton Coldfield 2-1 Old Loughtonians
Slough 4-0 Leicester
Bowdon Hightown 5-1 Olton & West Warwicks


EHL Women's Division One:

Results:
Wimbledon 2-4 Sevenoaks
Harleston Magpies 3-5 Lansdown
Liverpool 2-2 Barnes Hounslow & Ealing
Clifton 3-3 Aldridge
Bradford 4-3 Wimbledon
Sevenoaks 2-2 Harleston Magpies
Lansdown 1-5 Liverpool
Barnes Hounslow & Ealing 3-2 Clifton
Aldridge 2-2 Bradford

EHL Women's Division Two (North):

Results:
Rover Oxford 2-6 Loughborough Students
University of Birmingham 6-4 Maidenhead
Nottingham H 8-3 Crostyx
Rover Oxford 3-2 Maidenhead
Crostyx 2-5 Loughborough Students
Nottingham H 6-3 University of Birmingham
Rover Oxford 3-6 Crostyx
Nottingham H 9-4 Maidenhead
University of Birmingham 3-5 Loughborough Students

EHL Women's Division Two (South):

Results:
Harrow 7-1 Woking
Reading 7-0 Ipswich & E S
Harrow 2-4 Havant
Ipswich & E S 2-3 Woking
Reading 5-1 Army
Harrow 7-3 Ipswich & E S
Reading 6-2 Havant
Army 5-1 Woking
Army 4-2 Havant

Indoor EHL: Results and tables after day 1.

EHL Men's Premier Division:

Results:

Bournville 4          Guildford 3
Terry Laverty 2,4     Peter Riley 9
Dave Tyler 19         Simon Pinks 12, 33
Jed Kiddle-Morris 23

Loughtonians 2        Reading 6
Liam Doidge 35        Simon Lanyon 3, 5, 16, 18
Mike Hughes 40        Andrew Watts 14
                   Shilen Tanna 26

East Grinstead 6      Doncaster 1
Ben Barnes 3          Alastair West 24
Scott Ashdown 5
Mark Pearn 6
Mark Justice 13
Michael Holland 16
David De Prez 29

Canterbury 2             Loughborough Students 3
David Matthews 22, 34    Tim Benford 15
                      David Ralph 33
                      John Jackson 40

Beeston 4                Bournville 5
Tomm Sherratt 2, 14      Terry Lavery 21, 27
Stephen Wood 17          Dave Tyler 23
Stephen Lawrence 26      Lee De Souza 28
                      Jed Kiddle-Morris 35

Guildford 2              Loughtonians 6
Simon Pinks 36           Mike Hughes 5, 40
Sam Beere 40             Julian Halls 6, 21
                      Oliver Didham 25
                      Malique Shuhel 29

Reading 3                East Grinstead 6
Simon Lanyon 8, 20       Scott Ashdown 7, 38
Matt Armitage 33         Ben Barnes 13, 17
                      David De Prez 28
                      Michael Holland 34

Doncaster 4              Canterbury 7
Alastair West 2, 20, 37  Stewart Keir 5
Colin Edwards 22         Greig Nichol 6, 21, 35
                      David Matthews 20
                      Matt Harper 29
                      Sam Bury 38

Loughborough Students 9 Beeston 1
James McBlane 2, 8, 30  Jon Newton 14
David Appleton 3
Richard Smith 7
Jerome Goudie 16
John Jackson 17, 27
Tim Benford 18

Table:
                         P  W   L   D  GF  GA Pts
Loughborough Students     2  2   0   0  12   3   6
Grinstead                 2  2   0   0  12   4   6
Bournville                2  2   0   0   9   7   6
Reading                   2  1   1   0   9   8   3
Canterbury                2  1   1   0   9   7   3
Loughtonians              2  1   1   0   8   8   3
Doncaster                 2  0   2   0   5  13   0
Beeston                   2  0   2   0   5  14   0
Guildford                 2  0   2   0   5  10   0

EHL Men's Division One

Results:
Havant 6 Surbiton 9
St Albans 8 Birmingham Uni 5
Cannock 8 Sheffield U B 6
Robinsons 5 Barford Tigers 4
Hull 8 Havant 4
Surbiton 10 St Albans 2
Birmingham Uni 8 Cannock 11
Sheffield U B 4 Robinsons 8
Barford Tigers 8 Hull 4


Table:
                P  W   L   D  GF  GA Pts
Surbiton         2  2   0   0  19   8   6
Cannock          2  2   0   0  19  14   6
Robinsons        2  2   0   0  13   8   6
Barford Tigers   2  1   1   0  12   9   3
Hull             2  1   1   0  12  12   3
St Albans        2  1   1   0  10  15   3
Birmingham Uni   2  0   2   0  13  19   0
Sheffield U B    2  0   2   0  10  16   0
Havant           2  0   2   0  10  17   0

EHL Men's Division Two (North)

Results:
Stourport 7 Wolverhampton 2
Nottingham 7 Harleston Magpies 10
Sheffield Hallam 5 Cheltenham 5
Stourport 6 Nottingham 8
Wolverhampton 2 Sheffield Hallam 3
Harleston Magpies 11 Cheltenham 6

Table:
                  P  W   L   D  GF  GA Pts
Harleston Magpies  2  2   0   0  21  13   6
Sheffield Hallam   2  1   0   1   8   7   4
Stourport          2  1   1   0  13  10   3
Nottingham         2  1   1   0  15  16   3
Cheltenham         2  0   1   1  11  16   1
Wolverhampton      2  0   2   0   4  10   0

EHL Men's Division Two (South)

Results:
Holcombe 4 Southgate 3
Bromley 3 Old Mid-Witgiftian 5
Old Georgians 8 Witham 5
Holcombe 7 Bromley 6
Southgate 5 Old Georgians 7
Old Mid-Witgiftian 12 Witham 3

Table:
                   P  W   L   D  GF  GA Pts
Old Mid-Witgiftian  2  2   0   0  17   6   6
Old Georgians       2  2   0   0  15  10   6
Holcombe            2  2   0   0  11   9   6
Southgate           2  0   2   0   8  11   0
Bromley             2  0   2   0   9  12   0
Witham              2  0   2   0   8  20   0


EHL Women's Premier Division:

Results:
Olton & West Warwicks 4  Old Loughtonians 4
Rachel Walker 2, 29, 33  Katie Bradley 6
Erin Preece 22           Claire Appleton 12, 36
                      Louise Jukes 24

Chelmsford 3               Slough 5
Lynn Bollington 8, 30, 36  Mandy Nicholson 3
                        Jane Smith 14, 15, 18, 28

Ipswich 7                  Leicester 1
Emma Lee-Smith 2, 20, 29   Kate Sharland 28
Lucy Unwin 23
Vic Sandall 23
Becky Baker 35
Lizzie Aldous 37

Canterbury 3              Bowden Hightown 4
Mel Clewlow 30            Annalisa Bishop 5, 11, 15
Jen Wilson 36             Tina Cullen 16
Kirsty Chambers 37

Sutton Coldfield 5            Olton & West Warwicks 4
Jane Sixsmith 11, 20, 25, 40  Denise Marston-Smith 5, 11, 34
Sandeep Kaur 30               Kerry Moore 26

Old Loughtonians 0   Chelmsford 7
                  Rebecca Alltree 1, 5, 26
                  Lynn Bollington 3, 16, 32
                  Julia Butterworth 12

Slough 4                Ipswich 4
Jane Smith 3, 15        Emma Millar 9
Mandy Nicholson 22, 27  Lizzie Aldous 30
                     Emma Lee-Smith 33, 37

Leicester 3            Canterbury 7
Nikki Ward 5           Jen Milne 3
Sarah Cockayne 36      Mel Clewlow 17
Hannah Smith 40        Jen Wilson 25
                    Anna Bennett 25, 29
                    Kirsty Chambers 34
                    Georgina Kemsley 37

Bowdon Hightown 4      Sutton Coldfield 3
Tina Cullen 4          Jane Sixsmith 3, 32
Annalisa Bishop 6, 25  Sophie Manning 40
Kate Hendrick 11


Table:
                       P  W   L   D  GF  GA Pts
Bowden Hightown         2  2   0   0   8   6   6
Ipswich                 2  1   0   1  11   5   4
Slough                  2  1   0   1   9   7   4
Chelmsford              2  1   1   0  10   5   3
Canterbury              2  1   1   0  10   7   3
Sutton Coldfield        2  1   1   0   8   8   3
Olton & West Warwicks   2  0   1   1   8   9   1
Old Loughtonians        2  0   1   1   4  11   1
Leicester               2  0   2   0   1  14   0

EHL Women's Division One:

Results:
Bradford 4 Liverpool 1
Wimbledon 4 Barnes Hounslow & Ealing 4
Sevenoaks 2 Clifton 3
Harleston Magpies 1 Aldridge 3
Lansdown 2 Bradford 6
Liverpool 7 Wimbledon 2
Barnes Hounslow & Ealing 2 Sevenoaks 3
Clifton 7 Harleston Magpies 1
Aldridge 6 Lansdown 4


Table:
                         P  W   L   D  GF  GA Pts
Bradford                  2  2   0   0  10   3   6
Clifton                   2  2   0   0  10   3   6
Aldridge                  2  2   0   0   9   5   6
Liverpool                 2  1   1   0   8   6   3
Sevenoaks                 2  1   1   0   5   5   3
Barnes Hounslow & Ealing  2  0   1   1   6   7   1
Wimbledon                 2  0   1   1   6  11   1
Harleston Magpies         2  0   2   0   2  10   0
Lansdown                  2  0   2   0   3  12   0

EHL Women's Division Two (North):

Results:
Rover Oxford 1 Nottingham H 4
University of Birmingham 2 Crostyx 2
Loughborough Students 2 Maidenhead 1
Rover Oxford 4 University of Birmingham 8
Nottingham H 2 Loughborough Students 2
Crostyx 4 Maidenhead 5

Table:
                         P  W   L   D  GF  GA  Pts
University of Birmingham  2  1   0   1  10   6   4
Nottingham H              2  1   0   1   8   5   4
Loughborough Students     2  1   0   1   4   3   4
Maidenhead                2  1   1   0   6   6   3
Crostyx                   2  0   1   1   6   7   1
Rover Oxford              2  0   2   0   5  12   0

EHL Women's Division Two (South):

Results:
Harrow 2 Reading 8
Army 6 Ipswich & E S 4
Woking 1 Havant 5
Harrow 1 Army 5
Reading 3 Woking 0
Ipswich & E S 4 Havant 2

Table:
             P  W   L   D  GF  GA Pts
Reading       2  2   0   0  11   2   6
Army          2  2   0   0  11   5   6
Havant        2  1   1   0   7   5   3
Ipswich & E S 2  1   1   0   8   8   3
Woking        2  0   2   0   1   8   0
Harrow        2  0   2   0   3  13   0

2007 KICKS OFF WITH INDOOR ACTION

Top hockey action restarts after the Christmas / New Year break with two weekends of indoor hockey, followed by the indoor finals at the NIA at Birmingham on 21 January. A full results service from the Indoor EHL will be posted to this blog each weekend.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR VISITORS

The hockey scene tend to go quiet just before Christmas, but not for long. Hockey will soon be back in action. The January edition of our on-line magazine will be available from 28 December and our podcast two weeks later. Both are looking back over 2006 - an exciting year for hockey. But January is a busy month in itself. At home we have the domesrtic indoor league, the indoor finals at the NIA, and the Player of the Year awards. There is also the Women's Champions Trophy in Argentina. How have the top teams progressed since we last saw them in October? You will be able to find out more from our podcasts, on-line magazine, and our blog.

We will be blogging again in January, but if you've not already visited out main site - www.talkhockeyradio - why do pay us a visit? We are carrying out a major upgrade to the site soon to enhance your visiting experience.

HAVANT TAKE PREMIER SCALP. Weekend Cup and League Roundup

TalkHockeyRadio went out looking for a giant killing act in the Fifth Round of the England Hockey Cup and chose the match between Havant from Div.1 and Premier Division side Hampstead and Westminster. It looked as if we had made a poor choice when the Londoner’s scored in the 12^th minute, courtesy of Scott Webster. But with penalty corner danger man Callum Giles in their side, Havant were always going to be a problem at corners, and it was as half-time approached that Callum Giles gave Havant a well deserved equaliser. Shortly before the break, Tasmanian Richard Hedlam, gave Havant the lead with a well taken goal from open play. In the second half, Havant’s two Egyptian internationals, Ezz and Hamoza, combined well, and Hampstead were caught on the break by Ezz, who scored after a fine run down the left wing. Hampstead then started to claw their way back into the match and a penalty corner conversion by Josh Smith closed the gap to 3-2. Several times during the closing minutes it looked as the match would go to extra time but some fine goalkeeping enabled Havant to hang on to their lead and progress through to the next round. Photographs from this match will appear on our main site over the next few days.

Havant were not the only Div 1 side to take a Premier Division scalp. Div 1 leaders Bowden overcame Beeston 2-1. Elsewhere the underdogs had less luck. Canterbury overcame Chelmsford 6-3, Loughborough Students beat Exeter University 4-1, Old Loughtonians went down 1-4 to Cannock, and Surbiton won against Southgate 5-2. In a re-run of the 2006 final, East Grinstead met Reading, the game ending in draw. The final result was a reversal of the last cup meeting, EG winning 4-1 on penalty strokes after extra time. The biggest score of the day was between Div 1 Bournville and South Div Indian Gymkhana, which ended 14-1.

The EHL now takes a rest until 27 January. There were matches played in the Women’s Premier, and North and South divisions, and the men’s North and South divisions yesterday (Saturday). Wins by Canterbury, Leicester, and Slough have resulted in the top three pulling away from the rest of the pack. Leicester were victorious against fourth placed Bowden Hightown, despite being 2-0 early in the match. Final score 4-3. Ipswich’s 3-2 win over Chelmsford drops Chelmsford from 5^th to 7^th place and the draw between Old Loughtonians and Doncaster lifts the Yorkshire side off the bottom of the table.

A full set of league tables has been posted to our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.

Weekend EHL roundup for 3 December 2006

Beeston’s brief stay as Premier Division leaders came to an end this afternoon (Sunday) when they were beaten 1-2 by Reading. Reading now go top on 19 points, ahead on goal difference from Cannock, who won 3-2 at home to Surbiton. Also on 19 points is Loughborough Students, who overcame Hampstead and Westminster 2-1. East Grinstead stay in 5^th place despite a 5-2 win over struggling Belper. Also at the bottom end of the division, Canterbury recorded only their second win of the season by beating Guildford 3-1. Canterbury move up one place to 8^th.

Bowdon’s seemingly unstoppable charge for promotion suffered a slight hiccup when they drew against 7^th place Bournville, closing the gap between them and chasing Havant to three points. Havant visited Holcombe this afternoon and opened the scoring after only two minutes with a classic Callum Giles penalty corner conversion. Twenty-five minutes later, Egyptian international Mohamed Ezz left the sin bin to score Havant’s second goal, again from a corner. Ezz was on target shortly after the break with a well struck field goal. Holcombe fought to get back into the match, and when Chris Bassano-Harper pulled one back in the 44^th minute, it looked as if Holcombe might get back on level terms. However, their hopes were dashed when Andrew Pett scored six minutes later. Final score 4-1 to Havant. Elsewhere, Oxford Hawks won their first match of the season against fellow strugglers St Albans, but remain at the bottom of the South Division.

In the Women’s Premier Division, Slough slipped from the top slot yesterday after drawing 2-2 with Chelmsford. Their place is taken by Leicester, who beat Olton and West Warwickshire 2-0.

A full set of EHL tables appears on our main web-site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk