Hockey: Cawthorn is sure of success

IPSWICH and Leicester, England's two teams striving for European honours this season, meet in the Premier Division of the Women's National League at Tuddenham Road tomorrow, writes Bill Colwill. A win for Leicester would put them at least five points clear of the chasing pack at the half-way point in the season.

David Cawthorn, the Leicester coach, is confident of victory. 'We are creating a lot of chances and young players like 17-year-old Sarah Banks and Sara Naylor are improving with every game,' he said. Nicky Wright, who has been suffering from flu, is expected to play. There is also good news for Lucy Cope, the 18- year-old England international, who is expected to play her first game of the season with the second team tomorrow.

Ipswich, last season's champions and now lying second, must win to keep alive hopes of retaining their title. Vickey Dixon, their inspirational defender, is expected to have recovered from a back injury and be fit enough to play.

Slough and Sutton Coldfield, who are in third and fourth positions equal on points, meet at Slough. Hightown, who are unbeaten in their last four games, will be without Fiona Lee, who broke a thumb training with England last weekend, for their home game against the bottom-placed Chelmsford.