Hockey: Bleby's quintet keeps Students in hunt

The defending champions Chelmsford and Loughborough Students both moved through to another appearance at the indoor finals at Crystal Palace on 4 February, with a chance to stake a claim for Europe.

The defending champions Chelmsford and Loughborough Students both moved through to another appearance at the indoor finals at Crystal Palace on 4 February, with a chance to stake a claim for Europe.

The Students made a hesitant start at Kidderminister yesterday, surprisingly beaten 6-4 by Beeston they pulled themselves together in their second game with Jon Bleby scoring five as they beat East Grinstead, who had already qualified for the finals, 13-2.Canterbury won the League with Reading completing the line up.

In the women's Premier Chelmsford dropped points in a 3-3 draw with Bowdon Hightown on Saturday, but retained their title with a 6-1 win against Harleston Magpies and a 6-2 victory over Clifton yesterday.

Slough will join Chelmsford and Bowdon on finals' night with second-placed Ipswich completing the picture.