Hockey: Loughtonians join Cannock at the top

Old Loughtonians, in one of only two Premier League games played yesterday, moved alongside Cannock at the top of the Division following their 3- 1 win at Reading, writes Bill Colwill.

Having survived an initial Reading onslaught during which the Berkshire club wasted two penalty corners, the Old Boys wrestled the game from the home side and always looked in firm control after Jason Lee had given them the lead in the 14th minute.

With Scottish captain, Colin Hector, controlling the midfield and Julian Halls solid in defence it was only a matter of time before more goals came. Nick Thompson scored in the 23rd minute with a powerful penalty corner strike and then the substitute Sean Robinson steered home a free hit from Hector.

Reading's solitary response came two minutes into the second half from Scott Ashdown. Old Loughtonians settled down again and even coped during the temporary suspension of Julian Halls.

Danny Laslett, the Canterbury striker, scored four times in their 6-1 win against Barford Tigers in the only other Premier game.