Hockey: Edwards on target: Rebounding Reading run amok

FORMER National League clubs looking to reclaim their status were off to a good start in the Norwich Union East Premier on Saturday as the League season got under way, writes Bill Colwill.

Chelmsford, after going down to a 22nd minute Gary Ayres goal stormed back with two bright goals from Paul Edwards and one from Mark Norton to beat Luton Town 3-1.

Peterborough Town went one better - winning 3-0 at home to Colchester with goals from Shane Andrews, Steve Gregory and Paul Tancred.

The South's two former National League clubs, Anchorians and Gore Court, were less fortunate. Anchorians after prolific goalscorer Warren Shave had given them the lead, were pegged back by Staines for a 1-1 draw. Gore Court, with goals from Nigel Eves and two from Nick Avery, had to settle for a 3-3 draw against newly promoted Woking.

Andy Webb scored twice for Woking with newcomer Mark Stacey scoring the third on his club debut.

Reading, who won the Women's South League last season only to be umpired out of the play-offs, put their disappointment behind them on Saturday at the start of their season with a 5-0 win at home to Winchmore Hill. Denise Shorney and newcomer Alison Burrows, from Trojans, both scored twice.