Hockey: Whitchurch first for Wales

Whitchurch and Crostyx fill the last two places in next season's Second Division of the Men's National League following yesterday's play-offs, writes Brian Tatlock. Whitchurch, the first Welsh club to join the League, came from behind with a Gary Hibbert penalty corner just six minutes from normal time to force extra time and with no further score went on to win the penalty stroke shoot out 4-2, their goalkeeper Nick Suller saving twice. Steve Wilkinson had given Olton a 24th-minute lead. Three second-half goals from Paul Dover took Crostyx to their 5-2 win. Canterbury beat Great Harwood 2-0, with first-half goals from Melanie Clewlow and Sara Goodman, to secure promotion to the First Division of the Women's National League. Two goals from Jill Brown gave Sunderland a two-goal interval lead against Harleston Magpies, who fought back for a 2-2 draw. Magpies must now pit themselves against the five territorial winners in the play-offs with two teams to qualify.