East Grinstead back on track in English Hockey League

DEFENDING champions East Grinstead got their season back on track with a comprehensive victory at Surbiton in the England Hockey League men's premier division.

Three second half goals from Mark Pearn, Dave De Prez and South African Gareth Carr ensured Grinstead ran out 4-1 winners.

Ben Payne had put the away team ahead after 18 minutes but only a minute later Surbiton captain Tim Pinnock equalised to make it 1-1 although the Surrey club could not keep up the pressure in the second half.

The team from West Sussex struggled before the winter break, failing to win in their last four matches but after defending their indoor hockey title in January were disappointed to fall to another loss at top of the table Reading last week.

The win means Grinstead have closed some of the ground on second placed Surbiton but are still seven points behind on 19.

League leaders Reading were made to work for their victory at home to Beeston eventually coming through 3-2.

Reading were 2-0 up thanks to goals from Felix Froeschle and Jonny Codling but Beeston rallied to get back in the game through a Andrew Monte penalty corner and Stephen Wood goal before half time.

It was left to Hardeep Singh Jawanda to seal victory for Reading scoring in the 43rd minute.

Beeston remain in fourth tied on points with East Grinstead but with an inferior goal difference of only six.

Brooklands MU picked a valuable three points over fellow strugglers Loughborough Students to close the gap to just one point as they sit on eleven.

Goals from Dave Flanagan, Peter Friend and Peter Douglas secured a 3-0 victory for the Manchester club.

Meanwhile, Hampstead and Westminster defeated bottom of the table University of Exeter while Bowdon and Cannock played out a 2-2 draw.