Hockey: Two-club Day made to pay

GRAHAM DAY, the St Albans striker, has been banned from the PizzaExpress National League and his club fined pounds 50 because he played with another club against League rules.

Day played for West Herts in their Norwich Union East League First Division game away at Sudbury last month, scoring twice in a 4-4 draw and also receiving a temporary suspension for physical play.

Although it is not the first time St Albans have fallen foul of League authority, the club claimed they were completely unaware of Day's appearance for the West Herts club and, as soon as they knew, he was suspended pending the inquiry. This prompt action almost certainly prevented St Albans having points deducted.

It is the first time the League have taken such an action and have done so at a time when rumours have persisted about this practice among National League players.

League administrator Stephen Barlow said: 'The League is keen to stamp out any abuse of the rules.'