Hockey: Surbiton defence ensure progress

Slough and Surbiton advanced in the European Club Championship yesterday, both doing enough to play in the bronze medal games today.

Slough, who had a purposeful 4-0 win against Slavia Praha, the Czech Republic champions, will face Gintra Siauliai from Lithuania, the surprise 2-1 winners over the German champions Russelsheimer.

In Antwerp, Surbiton drew 2-2 with Den Bosch, who now go for their third successive European title against Kolos Borispol from the Ukraine. Surbiton will play the Spanish side Egara for third place.

Greg Nicol scored both their goal against Den Bosch, but it was the Surbiton defence, with David Luckes outstanding in goal, who really took the honours. Captain Brett Garrard said afterwards: "We are very satisfied about the match. The boys played a good game and might have won 3-1. We knew the Dutch would finish strongly and they did."

Against Slavia Praha, Slough never looked in doubt after Lucy Newcombe put them ahead in the 14th minute. Newcombe's second goal in the closing minutes was a scorching shot into the roof of the net. In between, substitute Monita Suter cashed in with two goals, though she also missed several simple chances. Slough's defence was marshalled superbly by Kate Walsh, but can expect a much busier time this afternoon.