Hockey: Trojans poised on trap-door

By Peter Colwill

SLOUGH, who have already won the women's National League, dropped their first points of the season in a 3-3 draw with Trojans on Saturday. But a point was not enough to save the Southampton side from relegation as their nearest rivals for the drop, Doncaster, enjoyed a surprise 2-1 win against Clifton, with Joanne Clark scoring twice.

Balsam Leicester secured their immediate return to the Premier Division with a 4-0 win over Canterbury, while at the foot of the First Division Sunderland Bedans moved above Bracknell on goal difference after beating Wimbledon 2-0.

Aldridge need a point from their last fixture against Sherwood to ensure promotion from the Second Division. Old Loughtonians stayed in touch by beating relegated Blueharts 7-0, with Amanda Wood scoring a hat-trick.

In the men's National League First Division, Brooklands secured promotion and maintained their one-point lead with a 6-0 win at Isca, which included a hat-trick for Dominic McGuire and two goals by John Bell.

Chris Kent scored two goals for second-placed Bournville in their 3-1 victory over Blueharts, but Surbiton have only a mathematical chance of promotion following their 2-2 draw with Lewes.