Hockey: Sixsmith blow for Sutton

Slough, favourites to add the national outdoor title to the indoor crown they won last weekend, travel to Cannock to play struggling Sutton Coldfield as the Women's National League resumes after the winter break.

Both teams have injury concerns. Sutton could be without Jane Sixsmith, who missed last weekend's Tests against Australia with damaged ribs while Slough have Karen Brown doubtful with a hamstring injury sustained in the first Test. While Slough, with their vast array of talent, can cope without Brown, the loss of Sixsmith to Sutton will be a major blow.

Third-placed Olton Terraquest play host to Clifton, in second, and defeat for the Midlanders would make their chances of overhauling the visitors slim. A win for Leicester, who expect to have their four internationals back, at Chelmsford would surely put the latter out of contention for the title.