Hockey: Nevill facing Parker

MARY NEVILL, Great Britain's bronze-medal captain in the Barcelona Olympics and another former GB luminary, Kate Parker, will be in opposition at Cannock Hockey Club tomorrow as their clubs strive for the last two National League slots.

Nevill has returned to the game after retirement to provide experience for the Loughborough Students team she has been coaching while Parker will be in the Reading line-up. Harleston Magpies, the only club fighting to retain their National League status, complete the pool.

In the second pool, the highly fancied St Albans squad, under the former England indoor international, Keith Rowley, as their coach, should have the edge over Poynton and Cheltenham but in the other pool there is little to choose between the sides.

Rowley said: 'Under former Slough star, Annette Stroud, as captain we have had a superb season. We have done our homework and feel very confident but we know the going will be tough.'