Hockey: Kelburne in title pursuit

KELBURNE, the Scottish champions, represent Britain in the A Division of the European Club Championship, which starts today in Brussels. Their rivals are the host club, Royal Leopold, Club Egara from Spain, and last year's Dutch champions, HDM.

On England's south coast, Havant are the host club for one of two men's B Division tournaments; the Hampshire side will open proceedings against GD Viso from Portugal. The English champions will be seeking to return to the A Division, after finishing in last place in Amsterdam last year, and being relegated as a result. They face Stockholm tomorrow and Tiikerit, from Finland, on Sunday, and they should reach Monday's final.

The Welsh champions, Whitchurch, will be in Prague for the second men's B Division. A final against Avoca, of Ireland, looks distinctly possible. The major British interest will be in the women's A Division, also in Brussels, where last year's silver medallists Glasgow Western, Slough and Cardiff Athletic will be struggling to end the Dutch monopoly on the title, which has lasted for 18 years.

Glasgow, the runners-up for the past four years, should win their opening games against the host club this morning and Stade Francais tomorrow. On Sunday, they have tough opponents in Russelsheim, from Germany, who will play several of their Olympic silver medallists, including Britta Becker and Tanja Dickenscheid.