Hockey from Pat Rowley - 28 Feb 09

English women’s indoor champions Bowdon Hightown also claimed the outdoor title after a 3-0 home win over Clifton.

They took the title with four games in hand and a 100 percent record from their 14 games.

Olton, the only club that could have caught them were held to a 1-1 draw by third placed Leicester.

Jo Ellis, Bowdon’s Olympic striker, confirmed she has regained her touch, by scoring her second hat-trick in three matches. She gave Bowdon the lead after 20 minutes, quickly added a second, and scored her third early in the second half.

Olton went a goal down just before half-time at Leicester when Britain’s Chloe Rogers scored. Abigail Fitzgerald replied for Olton to keep them a point ahead of Leicester in second place.

New men’s league leaders Reading, playing a re-arranged game, failed to extend their one point lead over Cannock. They suffered only their second defeat of the season, being beaten 3-0 at Beeston.

Ben Arnold, Pakistani Mohammed Nadeem and Wayne Rowland were the marksmen for fourth placed Beeston.