HOCKEY Teddington take title

HOCKEY

BY BILL COLWILL

Once Phil McGuire had settled Teddington's early nerves at East Grinstead yesterday, the first of his two goals coming after five minutes from the penalty spot, they kept their grip on the game, going on to win 4-2 and claim their first National League title, on goal difference ahead of Reading.

Grinstead did pull one back soon after the opener, Stuart Head scoring from Richard Gibson's precison pass, but Paul Way, Andy Billson and McGuire again scored to make it 4-1 at the interval. Grinstead, though, thanks to some fine goalkeeping by Jamie Westwood, looked the more dangerous side in the second half, Ben Barnes reducing the deficit.

Reading finished close behind Teddington, three goals short, after coming from behind three times on Saturday to overcome Old Loughtonians 6-4, and beating Stourport 5-1 yesterday.

Cannock, who started the weekend as title favourites, could only draw 2-2 with Havant on Saturday after twice leading. Yesterday's 9-0 win over Firebrands, which doomed the Bristol club to the Second Division, was to no avail despite a four-goal performance from Welsh international Paul Edwards.