HOCKEY:Hounslow slip up

Hounslow's decision not to seek a postponement of their National League game because of the absence of three of their players with England in India backfired yesterday. They went down to a goal by Tony Bloxham in a 1-0 defeat by lowly Canterbury and losttheir chance of taking over the First Division leadership.

Ian Jennings was in great form for Guildford in their 9-3 win against Slough. Not only did he score five goals, he was instrumental in setting up most of their moves. In the only other First Division game of the day, Indian Gymkhana beat Trojans 3-2.

Doncaster went to the top of the Second Division with a 4-1 win against Harleston Magpies. St Albans never overcame Graham Day receiving a red card after 13 minutes and lost 2-1 to Beeston to throw away their chance of taking over the lead.

In New Delhi, England lost their opening match in the Indira Gandhi tournament on Saturday. They went down 1-0 to Kazakhstan, conceding a 63rd-minute penalty corner.

In the Women's Indoor Club Championship, Hightown beat Slough, the winners last year, 4-2 to take their eighth title.