Hockey: Reading in fine form

Reading, the English Premier League champions, continued their impressive pre-season form at the weekend, with two wins against the Dutch champions, Bloemendaal, at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.

After a 4-1 win on Friday evening, Reading's New Zealand striker Ken Robinson produced a devastating display in the second match, scoring a well-deserved hat-trick.

After conceding an early goal, Reading fought back to take a 3-1 half time lead – Robinson scoring twice and Tom Bertram converting a stinging penalty corner shot.

After the interval, Simon Mason in the Reading goal had to make a string of brave saves, but could not stop the Dutch drawing level. However, with the minutes running out, Andy Todd set Robinson up for the winner.

Bath Buccaneers and Bowdon started their National League careers confidently. Bath won 7-3 against Havant thanks to a hat-trick from James Mumme-Young and two goals from their player-coach Bobby Crutchley, while Bowdon got the better of Indian Gymkhana – Johnny Bloomfield completing his penalty corner hat-trick with the 64th-minute winner after a 4-4 draw had appeared likely.