Loughtonians at home indoors

Hockey

Hockey

The game moves indoors today at the start of the mid-season break with tournaments in the Midlands and at Aldenham School, writes Bill Colwill.

At Aldenham, National Champions Old Loughtonians will be defending their East League title. In spite of the absence of three key players - Julian Halls, Nick Thompson and Jason Lee - with the Britain squad in Egypt preparing for next month's Olympic qualifier in Barcelona they are favourites to take the title for the fourth time.

Their toughest opposition is expected to come from St Albans, led by Andy Halliday, and the up and coming Blueharts, now coached by former St Albans and England indoor international Keith Rowley.

In the Midlands, defeated national finalists last year, Barford Tigers, will only join in the competition tomorrow when they will contest the final stages of the Midland Club Championship qualifier against the winning teams from the four groups that play off today at Worcester and Kidderminster.