Hockey: Scots have one last chance

Scotland, who lost 3-0 to Belgium in the deciding match of the Intercontinental Cup qualifier in Olten, Switzerland yesterday, will now have to beat the Asia / Oceania runners-up if they are to qualify for next summer's finals in Poland.

The Scots reached the showdown with Belgium after a 4-3 win on penalty strokes settled Saturday's semi-final against Wales, which was drawn at a goal apiece. Wales yesterday beat Switzerland 2-1 to take third place.

In Saturday's reduced PizzaExpress National League programme, Canterbury, St Albans and Bournville collected their first points of the season.

Canterbury's 2-0 win at Slough included Sean Kerly's first goal of the season, while St Albans, with Duncan Cogdell converting a corner, were 1-0 winners at Trojans. Bournville succeeded at Bromley thanks to Gary Mahon's goal in the 44th minute.

In the only other First Division game, Surbiton were beaten 3-1 at home by Firebrands and that leaves the newcomers firmly anchored at the bottom of the table.

In the Second Division, Stephen Batchelor's goal in the 47th minute for Richmond against Old Kingstonians was all that separated the sides. It was enough, though, to move Richmond two points clear at the top due to Reading's goalless draw at Indian Gymkhana.

In a full Women's National League programme, Slough suffered their first defeat since the opening game of last season. The champions went down 2-0 to Hightown, who retain their First Division leadership on goal difference ahead of Ipswich, 2-1 winners at home to Exmouth.

Jackie Crook made amends for a missed penalty stroke when she put Hightown ahead 13 minutes into the second half, Tina Cullen scoring the second in the final minute.

Sally Gibson scored Trojans winner in the 54th minute against Sunderland Bedan at Southampton in the battle between the Second Division's newcomers.