Hockey: Clarke seals Reading win

Reading, the English hockey cup holders, came from behind at Cannock yesterday to beat Surbiton 2-1 to retain their title. In the women's final, Hightown, with a 3-2 win against Leicester, added the cup to the league title they claimed last weekend.

A penalty corner strike from Surbiton's Matt Daly in the third minute and three great saves from Tom Sheridan, the goalkeeper, looked likely to send Surbiton into a surprise 1-0 interval lead before a late equaliser from Andy Todd, diving in to touch home Jonty Clarke's cross from the left. Dominating the game after the interval, Reading's winner came from a splendid individual effort from Clarke in the 46th minute.

Hightown's player-coach, Tina Cullen, scored an early goal with Nicky O'Donnell adding a second before half-time. Leicester, with goals from Alexis Williamson and Claire Parkhill, drew level after the interval before Cullen, with extra time beckoning, hit the winner.