Hockey: Fit Crutchley gives boost to Cannock

MARTIN GILBODY, Cannock's manager, was philosophical about their tough weekend, six of his players having returned only on Tuesday from the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh.

The good news for Cannock is that the leading National League goalscorer, Bobby Crutchley, who pulled out of the Malaysia trip on the eve of departure when he limped off at Hounslow after scoring a hat-trick in their last League game should be fit for the game. Doubts surround Justin Pidcock, who was running a temperature yesterday.

Cannock, three points ahead of Canterbury at the top of the Premier, today entertain Southgate, who will be missing Soma Singh, in the league and tomorrow will be at home to Canterbury in the semi-final of the EHA Cup.

Chichester are the first club outside the National League ever to reach the Cup semi-finals and have to travel north to Beeston for the second semi- final. Although they will start as underdogs, they will face a Beeston side, who have a relegation game against Guildford tomorrow.

The Women's National League comes to a close today with Slough already Premier champions, Leicester having clinched the Division One title and with Aldridge needing just a point to gain promotion from the Second Division.