Hockey: Depleted University beaten

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY succumbed to the handicap of losing five first-choice players for their annual fixture against Cambridgeshire, but fought with great determination to lose only 5-4, writes Bill Colwill.

With Ian Hammond and Robin White combining well in midfield, it was no surprise, when Hammond, a former Cambridge Blue put the county ahead in the eighth minute. Four minutes later the University were on terms when Andy Battye scored from Rod Stevens' pass after good work by Jon Foley. Goals from James Grant and Mike Knight just before the interval put the county firmly in the driving seat.

The University hope to have four of their absentees back for next Wednesday's important fixture against the Hockey Association.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY: D Lynch (Caius); J Stott* (Homerton); D Padfield (Caius), J Francis (Robinson), C Lawrence (Peterhouse); J Foley* (St Johns), M Carver* (Corpus Christi, capt), A Sainsbury (Pembroke); R Stevens (Hughes Hall), W Ashworth (Emmanuel), A Battye (Trinity). Substitute used: E Quibell (Hughes Hall).* Blue.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE: P Over (Cambridge City); N Gadsby (Royston); M Mitchem (Cambridge City), J Shippey, S Brown; N Osborn (all Wisbech), R White, I Hammond (capt); D Valentine, M Knight (all Cambridge City), M Tew (Bury St Edmunds). Substitute used: J Grant (Cambridge City).

Umpires: D Reeson & J Doran (ECHUA).