Hockey: Ambitious Leicester

BALSAM LEICESTER, who lead Ipswich by two points at the top of the women's National League, travel to Chelmsford for their penultimate match knowing that victory could give them the championship in view of Ipswich's difficult journey to fourth-placed Hightown, writes Peter Colwill.

Although Leicester may be without Morag Laird, who has a hip injury, they will be encouraged by their 3-0 victory against Chelmsford earlier this year and the recent form of the central striker, Nicki Wright, who, along with Sue Howell, has been providing the goals.

Ipswich, who have Lucy Youngs back after injury, know that their hold on the championship has not been broken. They play Leicester in the final match but will need to overcome a resolute Hightown defence while keeping a keen eye on the England striker, Tina Cullen.

Ealing and Clifton, the primary relegation candidates, face difficult matches against Slough and First Personnel Sutton Coldfield respectively. The last-day match between these two teams seems likely to be decisive.

Slough, who along with Hightown and First Personnel could still win the championship, are at full strength for the visit of Ealing.