After the drama of their Euro Hockey League exploits last weekend, there is no let-up for Holcombe as they face a tough clash with Men’s Hockey League Premier Division leaders Hampstead and Westminster on Saturday.

Having signed a raft of new faces in the summer, Hampstead are one of three teams who are unbeaten in the league, and top on goal difference. But a Holcombe win could see any one of five teams go top as the early Premier Division table continues to take shape.

“We were delighted with our performance in Europe last weekend,” said Holcombe president and first team manager Keith Martin. “It was just a shame that we were in such a tough group.

“We are at full strength for this weekend with the same 15 players, so we’re looking to continue to build on our form.

“With Hampstead having signed so many new players we’re never sure who we will be facing, and Kwan Browne is an excellent coach. But our coach Julian Halls is excellent too, so it should be a really good game.”

The team that beat Holcombe a fortnight ago, Wimbledon play host to Surbiton in Saturday evening’s other Premier Division match, with the division’s other games all on Sunday.

Third-placed Beeston entertain bottom of the table Canterbury, while East Grinstead will be looking to climb from their current position of fifth when they play Loughborough Students at Saint Hill Road.

Finally Reading – who clinched their first win last weekend – go to Brooklands MU in search of a second victory.

Leaders Southgate will be aiming to notch up win number five when they play host to a Wapping side who are still searching for their first win in the Men’s Conference East. And Sevenoaks – who trail Southgate on goal difference – head to Oxted on Sunday.

 

 

FIXTURES – Saturday, October 15

 

Men’s Premier Division

Wimbledon v Surbiton 17:30

Holcombe v Hampstead and Westminster 18:00

 

Men’s Conference East

Southgate v Wapping 17:00

 

FIXTURES – Sunday, October 16

 

Men’s Premier Division

Beeston v Canterbury 14:00

Brooklands Manchester University v Reading 14:00

East Grinstead v Loughborough Students 14:00

 

Men’s Conference East

Oxted v Sevenoaks 12:45

Brighton and Hove v Cambridge City 13:00

Indian Gymkhana v Teddington 14:00

West Herts v Richmond 14:00

 

 

* The attached photograph shows Holcombe’s Harry Trusler. Credit: hockeyimages.co.uk