Hockey: Disappointing England

IN THE Under-18 tournament at Cardiff, an England team largely consisting of players with National League experience were beaten 2-0 by Ireland to finish a disappointing third. The U16s beat the Irish 2- 1, thanks to two goals from their captain, James Southgate, to finish on top.

With the exception of the Women's West Premier all the Regional League line-ups are now known and the clubs are looking forward to promotion or to the play-offs. In the West, with a game to play, Exmouth lead Colwall on goal difference.

Cambridge University's fight for National status finally ended in a 1- 1 draw with Peterborough Town at the weekend. With 15 minutes remaining, Peterborough, who needed at least a draw to secure the East Premier Holidays title, opened the scoring through Gary Hales.

Cambridge were celebrating five minutes later at a penalty corner by their striker Adam Laird, but it was not to be. The non engaged umpire stepped in to rule the ball had not been stopped. Phil Outram did equalise with two minutes left, but Peterborough had the point they wanted for the title.

In the final West Premier men's game Swansea waited at home for Weston- super-Mare to arrive while Weston also waited at home. With Weston twice previously having travelled to Swansea to find the game postponed the League had instructed it be played at Weston. Weston gained a 5-0 walkover with Swansea relegated.

Women: Champions (automatic promotion to Division Two of the National League): Deeside Ramblers, Dulwich, Bedford, Harleston Magpies and Exmouth or Colwall. Runners up (play offs): Liverpool, Rover Cowley, Kettering, Sevenoaks and Exmouth or Colwall, top team to qualify for Division Two.

Men: Whitchurch, Formby, Fareham, Edgbaston and Peterborough, along with Sheffield from the National League, to play for 2 places in next season's Division Two.

Results: Youth Tournament (Cardiff) U18s: England 0 Ireland 2; Scotland 7 Wales 0. Final placings: 1 Scotland 9pts. 2 Ireland 6pts. 3 England 3pts. 4 Wales 0pts. U16s: England 2 Ireland 1; Wales 3 Scotland 2. Final standings: 1 England 9pts. 2 Ireland 3pts. 3 Scotland 3pts. 4 Wales 3pts.