Day of destiny for struggling clubs

Hockey

Hockey

BILL COLWILL

It is quite possible that by tomorrow evening all the six clubs expecting to be relegated from the National League First Division will know their fate. Although Indian Gymkhana and Trojans can mathematically avoid the drop, the odds are that Bournville, St Albans, Hull and Stourport will have decided their destiny.

Tomorrow Indian Gymkhana entertain Barford Tigers, who are just two places above them but with an eight-point lead, while Trojans, a point adrift of Gymkhana, take the long trip to Hull who, should they lose this afternoon's rearranged game against the defending champions, Teddington, will be relegated along with the bottom club, Stourport.

The situation at the top is providing plenty of excitement. The current leaders, Southgate, may find the going tough away to a young Canterbury side and could drop points.

Second-placed Cannock are expected to win at home to Teddington, who are still without the injured Great Britain captain, Jason Laslett. Guildford, in third position, should have few problems away to Stourport, so the musical chairs at the top could continue.

n The sport mourned the death yesterday from cancer of Yvonne Horner, a much respected former international umpire and coach. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the game will be greatly missed, particularly in her native Yorkshire and the Thirsk club.