Hill stays on hold

HOCKEY Rob Hill, the Great Britain leading goalscorer at the Barcelona Olympics who retired prematurely for personal reasons, was expected to make a return this weekend for Firebrands, one of his previous clubs, at the two-day DTZ Invitation indoor tournament at Wyre Forest Glades Centre, Kidderminster.

Hill, however, was sent off in Yeovil's game against Cardiff on 10 December for alleged violence to one of the umpires and has been suspended for 180 days. Yeovil are to appeal.

Firebrands, with a largely inexperienced side, have been drawn in the same pool as East Grinstead, who look likely to make the semi-finals along with Stourport. Partille from Sweden and Hull complete the group.

In the second pool, Barford Tigers, with their prolific goalscorers Des Betts and Jas Chana, look like making the semi-finals, as do Menzieshill, captained by Scotland's John Christie and with the American international, Peter Jones, flying in for the occasion.

Swansea, Harborne and the Danish National squad, playing as the Vikings, complete the line-up to give the tournament an international flavour.