Reading attack cup final date

Hockey

Reading took advantage of yesterday's draw for the Association Cup semi-finals to express dismay that the final will be held when their Great Britain players are at a tournament in Malaysia, writes Bill Colwill.

The final will be held at Milton Keynes on 12 May, and Richard Wyatt, the Reading manager, voiced the feelings of all four clubs when he said: "I am dismayed. After all, for the winners European competition is at stake and no club should be asked to play short."

Stephen Barlow, the HA competitions organiser, said: "It is extremely regrettable, but in Olympic year it is very difficult to fit everything in and the invitation to Malaysia was accepted long after the cup final date had been decided. We will naturally listen to any protest from the clubs and to any alternative suggestions."

HA CUP Semi-finals: Teddington v Reading; Old Loughtonians v East Grinstead. (Ties to be played at Milton Keynes on 28 April).

HA TROPHY Semi-final: Norwich City v Coventry & North Warwick; West Herts v York Trojans. (Ties to be played 31 March).