Hockey: Hounslow confirm pattern: Past title-winners remain unbeaten to dominate the First Division after just two weeks

WITH just two weeks completed it looks as if it is going to be a familiar pattern at the top of Division One of the PizzaExpress National League. Previous winners Hounslow, Havant and Southgate in the top three places are the only teams with maximum points.

Hounslow, although playing far below their best form, were too good for Trojans, running out 4-1 winners with Rob Thompson scoring twice after good approach work from David Knapp. Rob Crutchley and Nick Gordon completed the scoring with Julian Archer being presented with Trojans consolation by Hounslow's defence.

Second-half goals from Pietro Attala and Rupert Welch gave Southgate the points in a scrappy game at Birmingham University against Bournville in the day's televised game. At Havant, England's set-piece expert Rob Hill scored both goals in their 2-1 win against Indian Gymkhana but only after Gursharanjit Soor had given the visitors the lead in the 21st minute. Hill's goals came three minutes each side of the interval, the first from a penalty corner and the second from a penalty stroke after his penalty corner shot had been illegally saved on the goal-line.

Outsiders for the League title, East Grinstead and Old Loughtonians, fought out a goalless draw at Saint Hill. Old campaigners David Knott and Imran Sherwani scored for Southport in their 2-0 win at Canterbury.

At Cannock, an early goal from Graham Day for St Albans jolted the home side into action and to a splendid 5-1 victory. Welsh striker Paul Edwards picked up a couple of penalty corner goals and John Mills, Ian Hughes-Rowland and Chris Mayer also cashed in.

In Division Two Harleston Magpies set the pace with a 1-0 win away at Brooklands, the goal coming from Martin Reader in the 21st minute. Ian Jennings was the day's top scorer with four for Guildford in their 7-0 rout of Harborne which gives them second spot.

Weekend results, Sporting Digest, page 31