Blueharts can spring surprise

HOCKEY

The men's and women's Inter League play-offs, at Olton and Clifton respectively to complete next season's National Leagues, dominate this weekend's hockey. At Olton, Whitchurch and Crostyx, after just a year in the National League, will be defending their places against six sides striving for National status for the first time for the four available places. Although City of Portsmouth finished second to High Wycombe in the Nastro Azzurro South Premier with the experienced Welsh international Declan Colclough and the high-scoring Tracy Boyce in their side, they look likely to turn the tables on Wycombe and could secure their place by Sunday evening as Pool B winners.

In Pool A, although Olton have home advantage, and will have South Africa's coach, Gavin Featherstone, on the bench for the first two days, Blueharts, under their coach, Stuart Guyton, and with the former England and Great Britain international Dominic Camilleri in their ranks, finished the season in style and could cause a surprise. Teams finishing in second and third places in their pools will have a final chance of a cross-over game on 13 May for the final two places.