Hockey: Gymkhana secure promotion

SOUTHGATE were made to struggle for a point at Chigwell against Old Loughtonians. It put them into second place behind Hounslow in the First Division of the PizzaExpress National League, writes Bill Colwill. After Julian Halls had given the Old Boys the lead from a 19th minute penalty corner, Rob Freeman equalised 19 minutes into the second half.

Relegated Neston led Hounslow following a Richard Beswick goal in the 48th minute before three goals from the champions saw them home.

Philip McGuire scored all three goals as Cup semi-finalists Teddington beat Slough 3-0 but there was little joy for another, East Grinstead, beaten 3-1 by Bromley.

The battle for the second promotion place from the Second Division went almost to the final whistle. Indian Gymkhana secured it on a better goal difference - three more than Guildford. They finished with a 5-0 win against Doncaster. Guildford knew they had to go for goals but left it until the last 25 minutes before scoring at Cambridge City. Five goals from player-coach Ian Jennings, all from penalty corners, and one each by Dan Hall and Neil Berry gave them a 7-0 victory but it was not enough.