Hockey: Test for Bracknell

MAGGIE BOLAM, the manager of newly promoted Bracknell, reported a clean bill of health for tomorrow's visit of the Premier Division champions, Balsam Leicester, to their Birch Hill ground tomorrow, but conceded being a little apprehensive, writes Bill Colwill.

'The big bonus for us tomorrow is that our coach, the Southgate and England player, Soma Singh, will be on the bench for the first time this season,' she said. 'We have enjoyed our first Premier Division games and will do so more now we know what to expect.'

Bracknell's strong defence will be tested by Leicester's wingers, the fast moving Sarah Blanks and the highly experienced former England winger, Kim Gordon. Mike Hamilton, Leicester's coach, an advocate of five forwards and attacking play, will be looking to his team to polish up their finishing.

'We created a lot of opportunities in our first two games but only came away with three goals,' Hamilton said yesterday. 'I hope that as we get to know each other the goals will come freely.' Leicester are hoping to have Sarah Naylor back from injury.