READING play host to Leicester in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division as part of the club’s Super Sunday, as the battle to top the table and secure a spot in Europe continues.
Currently third, Reading will be looking to replicate last weekend’s 2-0 victory over leaders Canterbury, while Leicester – who could only draw with Canterbury a fortnight ago – will want to maintain their run of nine league matches without a loss.
“It’s a really big game for us,” said Reading coach Steve Bayer. “It’s a great opportunity to see where we’re at in the outdoor league.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge and are carrying a lot of positive momentum having beaten Canterbury last week. We’ve got a full strength squad for the match and a lot of depth in there, so we’re confident.”
Elsewhere, Canterbury face a trip to Clifton on Saturday while Surbiton, who currently occupy the crucial fourth play-off spot, entertain University of Birmingham. Surbiton’s Big Weekend will see the club bring in temporary seating and set up a Fun Zone for younger fans.
Bowdon Hightown will be aiming to climb into the top four with a win over bottom of the league Slough, while Olton and West Warwicks, who are also in danger of being in a relegation fight, go to Sutton Coldfield.
In the Investec Conference East, leaders Harleston Magpies entertain Chelmsford, while second-placed Sevenoaks are hot on their heels and go to Old Loughtonians.
University of Durham play host to Brooklands Poynton in the Investec Conference North, with both sides in desperate need of points to maintain their hopes of making the promotion play-offs.
Meanwhile, leaders Beeston go to Liverpool Sefton, who need the win to boost their battle against relegation.
And in the Investec Conference West, it is Swansea City’s turn to play host to runaway leaders Buckingham, who have won all 14 of their league matches so far and have already qualified for Investec Women’s Finals Weekend.
At the other end of the table, bottom club Taunton Vale host Trojans, while ninth-placed Stained entertain Stourport, who are eighth.
Tickets for the end of season play-offs, Investec Women’s Finals Weekend, on 20-21 April are on sale now. Find out more and book via www.englandhockey.co.uk/leaguefinals
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, March 2 2013)
Investec Premier Division Clifton v Canterbury 11:30 Bowdon Hightown v Slough 11:45 Surbiton v Univ of Birmingham 14:00 Sutton Coldfield v Olton & West Warwicks 14:00
Investec Conference East Oxford Hawks v St Albans 12:00 Harleston Magpies v Chelmsford 12:30 Old Loughtonians v Sevenoaks 13:00 Horsham v Wimbledon 13:30 Ipswich v Bromley & Beckenham 14:00
Investec Conference North Doncaster v Whitley Bay & Tynemouth 12:00 Liverpool Sefton v Beeston 12:30 Loughborough Students v Ben Rhydding 12:30 Univ of Durham v Brooklands Poynton 13:30 Wakefield Bradford v Cannock 13:30
Investec Conference West Barnes Hounslow Ealing v Bristol Firebrands 12:00 Gloucester City v Isca University 12:00 Swansea City v Buckingham 12:00 Staines v Stourport 13:30 Taunton Vale v Trojans 13:30
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Sunday, March 3 2013)
Investec Premier Division Reading v Leicester 12:30
