Surbiton hoping to celebrate century

Hockey

Surbiton entertain East Grinstead tomorrow for their 100th National League encounter in a game they desperately need to win if they are to stave off the threat of relegation from the Premier Division which currently hangs over them.

A spokesman for the club said yesterday: "Without doubt our 100th game is our most important so far." Grinstead won 5-0 when the teams met earlier in the season.

Jon Molloy, their burly striker who has played in every game and scored 79 goals, said: "I am quietly proud of my record but it is more important for the team to win than for me to complete my century [of games]."

Molloy has not been in the starting line-up recently but with captain Martin Constable doubtful following a bout of flu, Mashood Hussain out with a hamstring injury and Martin Dye having a run out with the 2nd XI this afternoon to test his hamstring, the giant striker looks set for the ton. The long serving goalkeeper Matt Miles, who has recently conceded his place to Grant McMinn, has joined Old Cranleighians.

The leaders Cannock, who threw away a 3-1 lead last Sunday to lose 4- 3 to Old Loughtonians, could be without their internationals Ian Hughes- Rowlands and Chris Mayer for the visit of Southgate. Southgate, hit by injuries, had their troubles last weekend, losing both games 4-3 and, although still only four points off the leaders, they need to return to winning form. John Shaw, with a troublesome hip, could be added to their injury list.

Second-placed Old Loughtonians will be without their Olympians Nick Thompson and Julian Halls when they entertain Canterbury. With just one point separating the second to sixth placed teams, there could be a few changes at the top by Sunday evening, while at the bottom the die looks cast for Havant, 10 points adrift, who visit fourth-placed Reading.