Reading boss France insists pressure's off against Bowdon Hightown

READING manager Emma France expects Saturday's Knock-Out Cup final with Bowdon Hightown to be a baptism of fire into the world of Premier Division hockey.

France's troops booked their place in the final, courtesy of a thrilling 5-4 victory - sealed by Laura Puddle's golden goal - over the University of Birmingham, who will be joining Reading in the Premier Division next season.

Bowdon Hightown meanwhile, ran riot in the Premier Division, winning 17 of their 18 matches, adding to their indoor title, and will be odds on to complete the treble on Saturday.

And while France insists the pressure will be off her players, she admitted the clash will give Reading a taste of things to come next season.

"The best thing for us about the cup final is going to be just getting there and enjoying the day," she said. "Hopefully our players won't feel any pressure but the crowds will probably be bigger than they are used to.

"At the end of the day though we've already done all the hard work. The final doesn't actually get us anywhere so we just have to enjoy the occasion.

"Absolutely no-one will expect us to beat Bowdon so we'll approach it with the attitude of having nothing to lose.

"The most important thing about our season was to gain promotion to the Premier Division and we've done that - our season will finish on a high regardless of what happens on Saturday."

Reading booked their place in the Premier Division next season after they finished second in the round robin promotion tournament that saw them beat Ipswich and the University of Durham, before losing to the University of Birmingham.

And while France admits she is already counting the days until the start of next season, she is well aware a new coach has to be found with Rhys Joyce - Reading men's captain - leaving the post.

"We have to wait to hear England Hockey's decision about fixtures next week before we can even think about appointing anybody," she added.

"I don't quite know why but England Hockey are looking to have both men's and women's fixtures always on a Saturday.

"That poses a lot of problems though as a number of clubs, including ourselves, have male coaches who play in the men's league.

"I can't really speak for anyone else but it would be a particularly unpopular decision with us and probably a few other clubs."