Hockey: Middleton lifts Cannock

Cannock and the Fyffes Leicester women have moved clear at the top of their respective men's and women's First Division National Leagues after the weekend's hockey. Cannock, thanks to a Barry Middleton hat-trick, won 6-2 against Guildford to move three points clear of Reading who yesterday suffered their third successive defeat.

Cannock and the Fyffes Leicester women have moved clear at the top of their respective men's and women's First Division National Leagues after the weekend's hockey. Cannock, thanks to a Barry Middleton hat-trick, won 6-2 against Guildford to move three points clear of Reading who yesterday suffered their third successive defeat.

Reading took the lead in their match against Chelmsford in the 16th minute through Andy Watts and as play switched to the other end their captain, Rob Todd, conceded a penalty corner and was temporary suspended with Gareth Carr equalising from the set-piece. Chelmsford's Jon Wilcox scored the winner a few minutes before the interval. Surbiton, thanks to three goals from their corner specialist Matt Daly moved closer to the end of season play-offs with a 3-2 win against Hampstead and Westminster.

In the ladies' game, Leicester took advantage of Ipswich's match falling foul of the weather by beating Bowdon Hightown 4-0. Helen Richardson scored twice to help move her side two points clear of third-placed Chelmsford who thrashed Doncaster 6-0. Canterbury, with 1-0 victories against Clifton and Doncaster, moved into second place on goal difference.