University's pitch opened in royal style

Hockey

Rob Thompson's Invitation XI opened London University's artificial pitch at Motspur Park yesterday in royal style with a 9-2 win over their hosts - in front of the University's chancellor, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, writes Bill Colwill.

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

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 in the heart of the London defence 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 G), 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.