Hockey: Gibson back in England frame

Richard Gibson's three superb goals in East Grinstead's 4-2 defeat of overnight leaders Reading yesterday not only enhanced his chances of winning a place in the England squad for the trip to Pakistan next March but also laid Grinstead's bogey of never having won a league game on a water-based pitch. The Sussex club moved into third place just a point behind the leaders.

In a thrilling contest, Grinstead, after the arrival of the experienced Marc Zander at half-time, eventually out-manoeuvred Reading. Although Gibson had opened the scoring in the second minute, Reading, following goals from Jon Slay and Scott Ashdown, were leading 2-1 at half-time.

Zander's arrival steadied Grinstead, who then took their opportunities, including a spectacular goal from Alistair Boyse before Gibson completed his hat-trick.

Craig Parnhan, with a 63rd minute penalty corner conversion, gave Cannock a 1-0 victory over Old Loughtonians which took them back to the top of the league, the fourth change in successive weeks.

In a seven-goal thriller at Guildford, Southgate's Pietro Attala got the Middlesex club's winner with just three minutes remaining to take them into second place.