Hockey: Reading's new faces: Opening day of National League

Bill Colwill
Friday 09 September 1994 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

WAYNE GRAHAM, South Africa's captain, lines up with the New Zealander Grant Edwards and the Spain Under-21 international Pablo Villar in a powerful new midfield for Reading as they open their First Division campaign in the National League tomorrow away to Bournville at Birmingham University, writes Bill Colwill. Reading's new captain, Jon Wyatt, moves back to sweeper to replace Charlie Oscroft.

The defending champions, Havant, at home to Stourport, have England's newest international, Jimmy Lewis, in goal at the expense of the Olympic goalkeeper, Sean Rowlands, in a young side led by their new captain, Peter Nail.

A third new captain, Rob Thompson, leads Hounslow, who include new signings Mark Kirkland, the Slough captain last season, and David Main, from Hull, for their game against Slough. Rick Charlesworth takes over the reins at Slough, with Manjit Flora returning to his old club as coach.

The day's most interesting match could be at Surbiton where the home side tackle their neighbours, Guildford, in the battle of the First Division's two promoted teams. Lt Piers Gorman, from Slough, lines up in the Surbiton midfield alongside Maj Ian Jolley, while Guildford have recruited Graham Cartmell and Neil Powell from the Services, along with Oxford's Richard Markham to start their campaign.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in