Hockey: Surbiton pipped for top position

NICK THOMPSON, with a goal in each half, set up Old Loughtonians 2-0 win against Stourport to put them ahead of Surbiton at the top of the First Division of the National League on goal difference.

Surbiton, after going ahead to a splendid goal from Jon Molloy in the 27th minute, were pegged back by Southgate in a second-half rally with Rupert Welch putting the North London club on terms. Gareth Notton restored Surbiton's lead before Ellis Thorpe again put Southgate level to set up a cracking final eight minutes to thrill the large crowd, but no further score ensued.

Teddington, with goals from Phil McGuire (2), Andy Billson and the 17-year-old Watford Grammar schoolboy, Matthew Osborne, gave them a 4-1 win against Firebrands in spite of another outstanding display of goalkeeping from England's Simon Mason.

The champions, Havant, came from behind, and survived a period of temporary suspensions to beat Trojans

4-3, thanks to a hat-trick from Calum Giles and a winning goal from Steve Lawson. Trojans' German striker, Jens Weindauer, opened the scoring for the visitors with Julian Archer striking twice after Giles's goals.

In Saturday's Women's National League, Slough, 5-1 winners against Chelmsford, thanks to a Mandy Nicholls hat-trick, maintained their top spot on better goal difference ahead of Ipswich, who beat First Personnel Sutton Coldfield 3-1.

Bracknell, thanks to brave goalkeeping from Anne Withall, held the defending champions Balsam Leicester to a 1-1 draw.

Results, Sporting Digest,

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