Millfield graduate to first

HOCKEY

The National Youth finals at Cannock yesterday got off to a bad start with the withdrawal of St George's College, Weybridge, from the under- 16 competition for unruly behaviour in a hotel overnight, writes Bill Colwill. The tournament, played as a round-robin, was won by Repton, taking their first national title.

Millfield, perennial finalists, claimed their first title since 1987 in the under-18 competition by beating Simon Langton School from Kent 3-0.

Millfield opened the scoring in the 27th minute when Richard McCollum bored his way through for a brilliant solo goal. Two fine saves by Stuart Anderson denied them further goals and, with their outstanding player, Andrew Todd, temporarily suspended, Millfield were under pressure.

Yet they held firm to score through Luke Sutton. Todd returned to add another in the last minute for a merited victory.