Hockey: Hounslow hounded out of cup

TEDDINGTON and Old Loughtonians reached the final of the Hockey Association Cup in contrasting fashion at Birmingham University yesterday, writes Peter Colwill.

Teddington beat Hounslow, winners for the last three years, 4-2 on penalty strokes after drawing 2-2, and will be playing in their third successive final. Two goals in seven minutes just before half-time were fair reward for Teddington's early superiority.

Jason Laslett opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Philip McGuire converted a penalty stroke.

Robert Thompson put Hounslow back in contention with a penalty-corner goal early in the second half and scored the equaliser 11 minutes later.

It took a good double save by Meredith to deny Thompson yet another corner, and Meredith produced another useful save to thwart Nick Gordon in extra time.

In the other semi-final, Old Loughtonians, who beat Reading 3-2, looked the more likely winners from the third minute, when Nick Thompson gave them the lead from the penalty spot.

Paddy Osborn equalised with a penalty stroke before Barker scored from a penalty corner, as did Osborn at the other end to make it 2-2 at the interval.

The winner came in the 53rd minute, Paul Krishman sweeping in a rebound from Thompson's penalty-corner shot.

Colin Banton's only league goal of the season saw Slough beat East Grinstead 1-0 in the final Pizza Express game of the season and retain their First Division place. St Albans are relegated along with Bromley.