Hockey: Billson breaks through old boys

Teddington. . . . . . . . . . .1

Old Loughtonians. . . . . . . .0

ANDY BILLSON'S goal after three minutes was enough to give Teddington their first National title when they beat Old Loughtonians in a closely fought HA Cup final at Birmingham University yesterday.

After two successive final defeats at the hands of Hounslow, Teddington started with great purpose. A neat turn by Simon Nicklin and a quick pass sent Jon Hauck racing down the right wing. Old Loughts' goalkeeper, Alasdair Seaton, saved well from Jason Laslett's first attempt from Hauck's cross but Billson was on hand to sink the follow up.

Loughts lifted the speed of their game, forcing Laslett back and winning a series of penalty corners. Sadly for the old boys, Neil Barker failed with all five.

With Old Loughtonians finding it difficult to regain their rhythm after the interval, Teddington came back into it. Early in the second half Seaton saved well from Laslett but was fortunate to see Billson's follow up hit the post. At the other end, Paul Krishman missed a splendid opportunity to force extra time: put through by Thompson, he shot wide with three minutes remaining.

In the Plate final, Ashford beat Bowdon 3-2.

Old Loughtonians: A Seaton (capt); J Halls, G Crymble, I Morris, D Allen, C Hector, N Barker, A Philpot, C Gladman, N Thompson, P Krishman. Substitutes used: M Donnelly, S Loftus.

Teddington: G Meredith; J Wallis, P McGuire, S Nicklin, A Colclough, J Hauck, C Camburn, T Moore, P Gibbins, J Laslett (capt), A Billson. Substitute used: R Benzies.

Umpires: H Jamson (NCHUA), N Lockhart (WCHUA).