Fitting opening for new pitch

Hockey London University 2 Rob Thompson XI 9

Rob Thompson's Invitation XI opened London University's artificial pitch at Motspur Park yesterday in royal style - in front of the University's chancellor Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal.

Fittingly, Thompson, a former University captain who had to withdraw from Great Britain's Atlanta Olympic squad through injury, opened the scoring in the ninth minute.

Britain's Olympic captain, Jason Laslett, added a second after Thompson's approach work down the right in 16 minutes. Thereafter it was an uphill and unrewarding struggle for the young university side.

The large crowd was treated to some sparkling, attacking play by the Invitation XI and they led 4-1 by half-time. Only a string of good saves by Phil Shenkman and robust defending by Phil Meakin restricted them.

Second-half goals from Phil McGuire (2), Andy Cairns and John Stenner took the tally to nine before Stuart Miners scored a second for the University.

LONDON UNIVERSITY: P Shenkman (UCL); T Grant (UCL); O Roxburgh (KCL), I Aumran (St George's), P Meakin (KCL, capt); J Soles (UCL), A Terris (St George's), S Miners (UCL); L Nolan (St George's), S Hill (KCL), S Gohil (RFH). Substitutes used: C Davies (KCL), S Griffin (KCL).

ROB THOMPSON XI: S Dodson (Hampstead & Westminster); P Bolland (Hounslow), A Cairns (Guildford); P McGuire (Teddington), J Laslett (Teddington), J Galliford (Hampstead and Westminster); D Williams (Old Cranleighians), J Shaw (Southgate), R Thompson (Hamstead & Westminster, capt); P Kirkland (Hounslow), J Stenner (Spencer). Substitutes used: J Edmonds (Wimbledon).

Umpires: D Howell and D Hunt.