Thompson secures title : HOCKEY

Nick Thompson, in a six-minute opening blitz in which he scored four times, blasted Old Loughtonians into Europe and to their first ever national title when they beat Barford Tigers 6-5 in the final of the National Club Championship at Crystal Pal ace last night.

Their glory was soured, though, when with two minutes remaining Thompson was sent off as Tigers staged a comeback masterminded by Nissar Chauhdy, who was named man of the tournament.

NATIONAL INDOOR FINALS (Crystal Palace) Pool A: Old Loughtonians 8 Hull 5; East Grinstead 4 Hull 3; East Grinstead 3 Old Loughtonians 5. Standings: 1 Old Loughtonians 6pts; 2 East Grinstead 3; 3 Hull 0. Pool B: Barford Tigers 9 Stourport 7; St Albans 6 Stourport 5; Stourport 5 St Albans 6; St Albans 8 Barford Tigers 9. Standings: 1 Barford Tigers 6pts; 2 St Albans 3; Stourport 0. Final: Old Loughtonians 6 Barford Tigers 5.

n The National League resumes after the break with many title-chasing teams facing double headers. Cannock, Teddington, Reading and Southgate all play twice to catch up on postponements.