Hockey: Old Boys' reunion: Surbiton under threat

SURBITON, the National League leaders, have a reunion tomorrow when they entertain Southgate in the day's outstanding game, writes Bill Colwill.

Three current Surbiton players have moved south of the river from Southgate in the last couple of years and Southgate's captain, John Shaw, and Soma Singh have coached the Surrey side recently.

For Surbiton's player- coach, James Duthie, it could be the end of a remarkable run of 21 league games without defeat since the former Great Britain defender joined Surbiton from Southgate at the beginning of the 1993-94 season after 16 years with the north London club.

'This is my biggest challenge,' Duthie said. 'I have so many friends still at Southgate and I am really looking forward to the occasion.' Both sides expect to be at full strength, although a slight doubt surrounds Jon Molloy, Surbiton's leading goalscorer.

Stuart Blan is another player-coach facing his old club tomorrow when he plays for Firebrands away to Teddington. Teddington will still be without their injured winger Jon Hauck.

David Luckes, the England goalkeeper, expects to make his first appearance of the season for East Grinstead at Guildford after a groin injury. With the England squad meeting at Bisham Abbey on Tuesday for training prior to next weekend's Four Nations Tournament in Germany, the manager, David Whittle, will be waiting for news of Luckes.