Hockey: Pearn is Reading pearl

MARK PEARN, with a hat-trick of superb reverse stick shots, including a opener withing 50 seconds, set the Premier Division leaders Reading up for a 5-2 win against Bournville Birmingham University to stay a point ahead of Canterbury, 4-2 away winners at Surbiton.

Third-placed Guildford were held to a 3-3 draw by Old Loughtonians while the champions, Cannock, cemented fourth place and a play-off spot with a 5-1 win against Beeston, thanks to three goals from Simon Organ and tow from Ben Sharpe.

Tina Cullen made it 17 goals in 12 games with her third hat- trick of the season as Hightown won 3-1 away to Fyffes Leicester in the EHL Premier League.