Hockey: England Under-18s humble Wales

Peter Wiles, with two goals in the opening seven minutes, sent the England Under-18 team on their way to a crushing 11-1 win against Wales on the opening day of the Home Quad Youth tournament at the National Stadium, Milton Keynes, yesterday. There were also two goals each from Andrew Langlands, Andrew Todd and Paul Wicken.

It might have been different but for two brilliant saves by England's goalkeeper Pat Aldridge from Wales' James Bainbridge before England had opened their account. Bainbridge scored Wales consolation goal but by then England were into double figures. Earlier, Simon Lanyon scored twice for the Under 16s in their 6-0 win over Wales.

England's Seniors begin the Golden Jubilee Tournament in Karachi today against Pakistan with the news that their captain, Russell Garcia, their most experienced player, is sick and could be missing.

All Premier games were postponed because of the Pakistan tournament with the exception of Old Loughtonians' re-arranged match against Surbiton, who will be looking to move out of the relegation zone with a win against the Old Boys.

The remainder of the National League matches centre on the Division One relegation battles. With Crostyx and Trojans likely to fill the two automatic relegation places, there is a desperate fight to avoid the next two play-off places.

Oxford University and Hull, currently filling those places, both have home fixtures. Oxford, who will need to lift themselves after their midweek Varsity match defeat, entertain Edgbaston, just three points above them while Hull meet Trojans.

Bromley and City of Portsmouth, currently one point above the University, have difficult away games at the champions, Beeston, and fourth-placed Isca.