League pillars are crumbling

Hockey

BILL COLWILL

Hounslow and Havant, the two clubs who have so dominated the National League since its inception, are struggling to qualify for next season's restructured 12-team First Division.

Hounslow, who have not won a league or cup game since 19 March when they beat Indian Gymkhana, last Saturday slipped to rock bottom in losing 3- 1 at home to Gymkhana.

For tomorrow's game against pointless Stourport, three first- choice players return who were missing last week: England's captain Simon Hazlitt, goalkeeper Jason Barrow and winger Martin Le Huray but, even with them back, Hounslow will require a change of approach to secure the points. Keith Rowe, the manger, was, nevertheless, in confident mood: "We have sorted ourselves out with a long team meeting and I am quite confident we will come together and will win."

Unlike Hounslow, who looked to recruit established players when their all-conquering side was breaking up, Havant have relied on their own nursery and have some promising young players breaking through. They will, however, be tested by the visit of free-scoring East Grinstead tomorrow.

The East Grinstead coach, Andy Barnes, now in his third year, has also assembled a young side, with impressive strikers in Richard Gibson, Mahmood Bhatti and Stuart Head and the promising 18-year-old Alistair Boyce teaming up in midfield alongside former Oxford University captain Steffan Griffiths.