Surbiton Ladies’ lead at the top of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division was cut to mere goal difference over second placed Holcombe after Surbiton dropped their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw at East Grinstead and Holcombe won 3-1 at Clifton Robinsons.

In heavy rain in West Sussex, Surbiton fell behind in the 52nd minute when Georgie Blackwood scored from open play, but salvaged a point when Giselle Ansley converted a penalty corner ten minutes later.

Youngster Alice Klugman made an encouraging debut for Surbiton, coming in for Olivia Chilton who was ruled out through injury.

Surbiton Ladies host the University of Birmingham tomorrow (Saturday) at 1 pm.

Surbiton Men cruised to a 4-0 victory in spite of missing several international players after leading 1-0 at half time, James Royce giving Surbiton the lead with a fourth minute penalty corner conversion.

Surbiton pulled away in the second half, Alan Forsyth doubling Surbiton’s lead in the 49th minute, Arjan Drayton Chana scoring a third goal in the 57th minute on his return to the squad and Forsyth putting the icing on the cake with two minutes to play, finishing off a run at the East Grinstead defence.

Surbiton are third in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division, two points behind Holcombe and Hampstead & Westminster, both teams maintaining a one hundred per cent record after three games.

On Sunday, Surbiton make the long trip to Brooklands Manchester University for a 12.15 pm push back.

Forsyth, James Gall, Harry Gibson, Luke Taylor and Zach Wallace all featured in the two game test series against Belgium in midweek at Lee Valley to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Great Britain Men winning Olympic gold.

On Tuesday lunchtime, in front of around 2,500 school children, Wallace made his international debut, but Belgium won 3-2.

On Wednesday evening, Great Britain levelled the series, coming from behind to win 2-1. Wallace and Forsyth created both goals for Sam Ward, now with Old Georgians. Wallace was so impressive on his second international appearance, that he was named as the Player of the Match.