Hockey: Cash call on clubs

THERE have been mixed reactions to the fund-raising request from the game's two governing bodies for all players to add pounds 1 to their match fees this weekend, in order to complete the funding of the proposed national stadium at Milton Keynes, writes Bill Colwill. pounds 8.5m has been raised so far, with another pounds 500,000 needed for the first stage of development.

For many clubs, it comes at a time when they are desperately trying to make ends meet without the benefits of sponsorship. Already, Clifton, from the Women's National League Premier Division, have pulled out of Sunday's third round of the women's Hockey Association Cup. Drawn to play away to Doncaster, the club felt unable to justify the expense. In the plate competition, 11 clubs have withdrawn from the first round.

Slough make the long journey to Morpeth, which will cost the players over pounds 60 each. 'We never dreamed of pulling out, but with no club sponsor and no sponsor for the League or Cup, it becomes very expensive,' their captain, Karen Brown, said.

For Slough, before heading north they have a home League fixture against Hightown tomorrow to which they must turn their attention.