Hockey: Surbiton forced to take on Hull

SURBITON'S rearranged game with Hull will go ahead this afternoon in spite of a last-minute appeal to the English Hockey League by the Surrey side. Surbiton travelled to Hull last week to find the pitch waterlogged and, in accordance with the League regulations, they were told they had to play on the slip date, namely 13 March.

The EHL responded quickly to the appeal received yesterday morning, arranging telephone conference facilities to hear it later in the day. But with Surbiton unable to raise someone to be part of the link-up the appeal was dismissed.

Surbiton will travel to Yorkshire without their three South African who are away playing in the Test series against Australia but should have them back for tomorrow's normal League fixture away to Stourport. Surbiton are two points behind leaders Doncaster but with a game in hand. Doncaster entertain Harleston Magpies tomorrow.

Canterbury and Southgate will be depleted for tomorrow's top Premier game but, with both sides well on the route to qualification for the play- offs, not too much will be at stake.

There is, however, a great deal at stake for Chelmsford in the First Division, where a win against Barford Tigers would virtually guarantee a place in the restructured First Division next season. However, they could be without four of their Under-18s who will be playing in the RAF Careers Youth Cup quarter-finals.

Havant HC is playing host to the Japanese National squad over the Whit weekend with three matches against a Great Britain squad and a fourth against England.