Hockey: Islanders in mainstream

THE Channel Islands take part in the men's County Championship as an invitation side when the competition gets underway this morning at eight centres, writes Bill Colwill.

They have been drawn in the same pool as the Isle of Man, Leicestershire and the former winners, Surrey and Middlesex, at Woking.

Champions Staffordshire include Chris Mayer and Soma Singh, recently returned from the Champions' Trophy in Lahore, in their squad at Cannock.

The women's competition continues with counties missing the England players who are finish their Five Nations' tournament in Buenos Aires with games against the United States and Australia.