Hockey: Reading freeze out opposition

In the only match to survive the freezing weather, Reading enjoyed a 6-1 win over Old Loughtonians which moved the Berkshire club nine points ahead of second-placed Surbiton in the Premier Division.

John Copp, Reading's coach, returned to the club just over a year ago after six years international coaching, including the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics with Great Britain, since when the club has lost just one National League game.

The Marlborough College schoolmaster was, however, far from satisfied. "We played well in patches but our finishing left something to be desired and I am far from satisfied with our penalty corner drill. We just don't have the time to practice enough."

Copp also admitted that he would like to return at some stage to the international arena, "but for the foreseeable future, having recently become Director of the College's Summer School, there is no way I can go back into international hockey. But I have learnt to never say never."

In an exciting game of attacking hockey, Reading moved the ball around with with fluid precision. New Zealander Ken Robinson and England's Mark Pearn both scored twice with Jonty Clarke and Andy Todd icing the cake. Canadian international Scott Smith scored for Loughtonians.