Hockey: Slough coast to final: Exmouth's win ensures rematch

SLOUGH will play Hightown in Saturday's HA Cup final at Milton Keynes in a repeat of the 1992 final, which Slough won after a penalty shoot-out. In yesterday's semi-finals, Slough beat Exmouth 5-0 and Hightown won 2-0 at Doncaster.

At Slough, three goals in a four- minute burst after Exmouth had defended superbly for 26 minutes, sent the home side coasting towards the final. Although Slough dominated the opening exchanges a

series of saves from Nicky Giles held them at bay until a solo effort from Kate White put them ahead. Goals by Lesley Hobley and Anna Bennett followed, with two more in the second half from Julia Robertson and Karen Brown, who orchestrated Slough's success.

Louise Hipkins and Juliet Rayden worked tirelessly in defence but Exmouth lacked Slough's experience and, limiting themselves to two attackers, were never in with a chance after the opening goal.

At Doncaster, Hightown, after an early let off when Sue Otley missed a seventh-minute penalty stroke, took control to win 2-0 with an individual goal from Tina Cullen after 27 minutes and then two minutes later Maggie Souyave was on hand to deflect Cullen's cross for the second.

At Sheffield, Staffordshire retained their Norwich Union County Championship when they beat Surrey 3-1 with two goals from Chris Mayer and a third from Jamie Roberts. Daniel Hall scored Surrey's solitary reply.

Earlier, Staffordshire won an exciting semi-final against Cheshire

4-3. Cheshire's England striker Bobby Crutchley failed to convert a late penalty stroke which would have forced extra-time.

In their semi-final, Surrey came from behind to beat Nottinghamshire 2-1.

In the Under-21 final, Sussex, who on Saturday had disposed of Somerset 13-1, were always in control against Yorkshire, winning 4-2 with Bill Champness scoring twice and Richard Gibson and Stuart Head getting one each.

Results, Sporting Digest, page 30