Tough trip to riverside for leaders

Hockey

The leaders Southgate take the short trip to Chiswick to play Hounslow in tomorrow's top First Division game. Although they are back in 10th place Hounslow have not been beaten at home on their water-based pitch this season. Even without Simon Hazlitt, their British defender who has a groin strain, they will be difficult to beat.

Britain's captain, Jason Laslett, who had it confirmed this week that he did fracture an ankle three weeks ago against Malaysia in the Olympic qualifier in Barcelona, will be missing for Teddington at home to Bournville.

Surbiton, entertaining high-flying Reading, are another side hit by injuries. Martin Dye and Gareth Notton will be sidelined and it seems unlikely that Nigel D'Cruz, who struggled through the Civil Service's game against the RAF on Thursday with a back injury, will be fully fit.

Cannock, in second place, entertain the 13th-placed Trojans who desperately need a win if they are to stay in the First Division in a season when the bottom six clubs will be relegated. Already four points adrift of Teddington in 12th place the situation looks grim. The bottom two clubs, Stourport and Hull, who already seem doomed, meet at Hull.

In the indoor European Club Championship in Bratislava, Hightown Ladies won their opening game 9-3 against Edinburgh.