HOCKEY: Hales is hero for league leaders

TWO REGIONAL clubs are smiling after busy weekends. Gary Hales was Peterborough's hero in their 1-0 league win against Bedford Town, which takes them three points clear at the top of the Premier Holidays Regional, ahead of Cambridge University who beat Colchester 5-1. The students have a game in hand. Hales was also on target twice in Peterborough's 6-1 cup win away to Lincoln Imps. They now visit Bournville.

After Lincoln had taken an early lead at a penalty corner, Peterborough got into their stride with Adrian Jones, Shayne Andrews, Mark Britten and Adrian Milner joining Hales on the scoresheet.

Edgbaston also had a productive weekend. They moved three points clear at the top of the DTZ Midland Premier with a 2-0 win away to Olton thanks to goals from the captain, Adam Burrows, and the player/coach, Anthony Straw. Burrows was on target with four more as Edgbaston came from behind at West Wilts to win 6-2, the other goals coming from Mark Scoble and James King. Edgbaston entertain National Premier League Brooklands, coached by the former England and Great Britain captain and coach Norman Hughes, in the next round.

In the south, Fareham, who took an early exit from the cup, beaten 2- 0 by Richmond in the first round, are two points clear of Wimbledon following a 3-2 win away to Anchorians. Their goals came from Tim Tavender, Tom Miller and Jim Moseley.