Wright on target early for Slough

HOCKEY

In their opening game in the European Indoor Club Championship in Russelsheim last night, Slough beat Victoria, of Rotterdam, 5-3. After a first-minute goal from Sam Wright, Slough were always ahead. Although pegged back to 1-1, Lesley Hobley put them ahead again with Sue Chandler and a double from Karen Brown completing the scoring.

At home, the three remaining HA Cup fifth-round games are scheduled for today. "Happy to start for once as the underdogs," said Chris Pickett, the manager of Havant, whose side take on the holders, Teddington.

Although Havant, last year's league champions, have had an indifferent season and are likely to be without Don Williams in their starting line- up, there is little between the sides and a single goal could decide the tie.

Cannock will be looking to extend their season's unbeaten run with a home victory against Reading, but could be without their captain, Kalbir Tahker, who has a hand injury. In the third cup game, Southgate - still without their injured striker, Robert Welch - travel to Stourport.

The English internationals, Julian Halls and Bobby Crutchley, will be missing for the rest of the season, as both have departed to play in the Australian league.

Old Loughtonians are unlikely to miss Halls against Slough, who have parted company with their coach, Manjit Flora. Chris Maskery takes over. Meanwhile, Hounslow will be without Jon Potter and Simon Hazlitt for their game with Surbiton.