HOCKEY: Slough hit by injury crisis

INJURIES COULD play a crucial part in tomorrow's top EHL Premier game. Slough, the defending champions, who suffered their first defeat last weekend at the hands of Ipswich since they were beaten in March 1997 by Clifton, face a tough double-header this weekend with depleted ranks.

At home to Fyffes Leicester and with a rearranged fixture at Southgate on Sunday against Doncaster, they will be without their midfield dynamo Sarah Kelleher, who is returning to Ireland for the Provincial Games, and Karen Brown, who was injured at Ipswich and is not expected to play until after Christmas.

Also missing is the South African Ashleigh Wallace, who has returned home following the death of her father. Internationals Mandy Nicholson and Jane Smith are also doubtful. Both missed training on Wednesday.

Leicester, too, have injury problems. The captain Jo Mould is ruled out with a broken hand, Kirsty Bowden is doubtful with a knee injury and goalkeeper Aileen Claxton is recovering from an appendicitis operation. Claire Ruddy is likely to continue in goal.

Leaders Ipswich will be looking for revenge with their away game against Olton Terraquest, the only team to have taken a point off them this season.

Bromley Juniors have been honoured by the English Sports Council for harnessing the efforts of unpaid volunteers. The winners of this year's Volunteer Investment Programme Awards will be presented with their prize at the Sports Writers' Association's gala at the London Hilton on 14 December.