Olympic players return to boost the club cause

Normal business resumes this weekend for the National League clubs who are able to welcome back their Olympic players, rested since Sydney.

Normal business resumes this weekend for the National League clubs who are able to welcome back their Olympic players, rested since Sydney.

In the Men's Premier Division the three clubs mostly affected have made light of the handicap - Surbiton, Cannock and Reading hold the top three positions. The leaders Surbiton include Brett Garrard and Jimmy Wallace in the squad for the visit of Canterbury, but Billy Waugh is still delaying his return. The defending champions Cannock will include their three Olympians but are without Paul Edwards and Kalbir Takher when they visit Old Loughtonians.

Third-placed Reading will have goalkeeper Simon Mason, the Olympic captain Jon Wyatt and striker Mark Pearn back for the visit of Southgate. Wyatt had his first game since the Olympics in the Netherlands last night when he played for a World XI against the National side in a testimonial.

Teddington field the former Britain captain Jason Laslett, who missed last weekend's defeat, but they will still be without their captain Danny Haydon.

The defending Women's Premier champions Hightown will be relieved to have their Olympians back for the League double-header. Away to Sutton Coldfield today and home to Olton and West Warwick tomorrow are must-win matches.

Slough will have Jane Smith and Mandy Nicholson back when they entertain Loughborough Students today and for tomorrow's trip to Chelmsford.