Hockey: Hounslow secure the double

NICK GORDON, with a goal in the 15th minute, set Hounslow on their way to a third successive Royal Bank of Scotland HA Cup win at Milton Keynes yesterday, writes Bill Colwill.

Having already taken the PizzaExpress National League title, Hounslow beat Teddington 4-1 to become the first team to complete the dream double.

Teddington's gamble of playing their England centre-half and captain, Jason Laslett, in a deep, roving centre-forward position might have paid dividends had their support forwards been steadier in front of goal. But, very much against the run of play, it was Hounslow who took the lead.

Rob Thompson, working his way along the goal-line, had his shot blocked and Dave Hacker's follow-up was also saved, but the ball came up off the goalkeeper's pads and Gordon prodded home. Teddington equalised in the 30th minute when Phil McGuire scooped the ball high into the net, but within three minutes Hounslow were ahead again.

Bob Crutchley converted Hounslow's third corner and they went further in front three minutes after the interval when the Welsh international Jon Rees pushed the ball to the edge of the circle from where Thompson rocketed his shot into the roof of the net. Hacker later received the ball from Stephen Hankin and completed the victory by lashing it home.

Hounslow: J Barrow; M Williamson, S Hobson, P Bolland, G Swayne; D Hacker (capt), J Potter, J Rees; N Gordon, R Thompson, R Crutchley. Substitutes used: M Rose, P Nichols, J Williams, S Hankins.

Teddington: G Meredith; M Riley, D Cross; J Wallis, T Moore, T Colclough; J Hauck, J Royce, J Laslett (capt), P McGuire, A Billson. Substitutes used: M Le'Huray, P Smith.

Umpires: M Graham (NCHUA) and R Parry (SCHUA).

Oxton, with goals from Mark Wilkie and Nick Smith, beat Halifax 2-1 to win the HA Club Trophy.