Hockey: Batchelor banned

STEVE BATCHELOR, the Olympic gold medallist, and the former Great Britain international Kate Parker will be missing from their clubs' line-ups this weekend, writes Bill Colwill.

Batchelor, who was temporarily suspended during a PizzaExpress League game last Sunday and then refused to take any further part in the game, has been suspended by Richmond pending further discussions. Tony Diamond, also suspended in the same incident, has been disciplined by the club and will be missing from the starting line-up at home to Cheltenham.

Parker and Denise Shorney, another England international, have not seen eye to eye with Slough's coach, Ian Jennings, and have decided not to play in the first team. They look likely to miss Slough's final league and cup games and the European Club Championship in Brussels at Easter.