Hockey: Clark full of fervour for Bowdon

There were mixed reactions from Regional League clubs following yesterday's draw for the Fifth Round of the EHA Cup to be played on Sunday 3 February. Nick Clark, coach of the North Premier leaders Bowdon, was delighted with the draw, saying "That's tremendous".

Eight points clear at the top, Clark was confident of providing a hard struggle for their National League Division One challengers, Brooklands. "We have strengthened our squad considerably since last season when we were knocked out by the odd goal at Premier League Southgate."

Bath Buccaneers' player-coach Bobby Crutchley, after the initial shock of hearing that his side were at home to Premier League leaders Reading, commented: "The only saving grace is that they will be without their England players."

Bath on Saturday overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Gerrard West Premier Leaders Isca 5-3 to go ahead of the Exeter side on points.

In the South, leaders City of Portsmouth edged home 2-1 winners over visitors Richmond. Old Georgians are just a point behind following their 3-1 win against Wimbledon, with Paul Way scoring twice.

Way opened the scoring in the sixth minute in the Old Boys' Cup game at Bowdon to awaken the Northern club from their slumbers, Bowdon going on to win 5-1.

EHA CUP Fifth-round draw: Bath Buccaneers v Reading; Beeston v Cannock; Bowdon v Brooklands; Doncaster v Chelmsford; Old Loughtonians v Belper; Southgate v Khalsa; Surbiton v Teddington; Wimbledon v Havant. (Ties to be played on Sunday 3 February).