Hockey: Reading call on Osborn for title tilt

Reading will this weekend embark on the first of the three titles they hope to achieve when they host the Prudential European Cup-Winners' Cup at their Sonning ground, writes Bill Colwill.

Reading are without their Great Britain international Howard Hoskin, recovering from a foot operation, and Jonny Loose, required by England Under-18 in Cologne, and have arranged for the temporary return of their former leading goalscorer Paddy Osborn from Purley for the event.

Reading's game today is against Stade Francais, from Paris, and tomorrow WKS Grunwald who, because of a shortage of funds, have travelled by coach from Poland. On Sunday they complete their pool games against Amsterdam.

Ipswich will be carrying the English flag to Utrecht, the Netherlands, where their first game in the women's event will be against Tekstilschik Vyianzniki from Russia. They then play Pegasus, the Irish Cup winners, tomorrow and Amiens on Sunday. It would be surprising if the National League leaders, led by the former England captain Sandie Lister, did not claim a place in Monday's final.