Surbiton Hockey Club’s ladies and men’s first XIs both suffered disappointing results over the weekend. But, with two fixtures remaining apiece, the Ladies’ can still top their league, although the men are no longer able to do so.

Despite losing their second away league game in succession after going the previous 14 unbeaten – this time by 4-3 away to Havant Ladies on Saturday - Surbiton Ladies, are already assured of promotion to the Women’s National Conference.

And they need just one win from their remaining two games to clinch the South Clubs’ Women’s Hockey League Division One from Reading Ladies 1A, who are unable to be promoted as a club 2nd XI and who trail them by three points with an inferior goals difference of 16.

The Ladies’ Saturday loss resulted from an uncharacteristic failure to retain concentration after leading 2-0 and 3-1. Their goals were scored by Sian Craze (penalty stroke), Helen Grant (penalty corner) and Emma Broad (open play).

Meanwhile Surbiton Men twice lost by 4-1 over the weekend, in their previously-postponed fixture in hand away to Beeston on Saturday and then the scheduled fixture at home to Brooklands Manchester University on Sunday. Mike Houlihan brought the score back to 3-1 from a penalty corner on the stroke of half time against Beeston; and Nick Cooper to 2-1 from open play three minutes after the interval against Brooklands. But in neither case was a further fight back forthcoming.

As a result, Surbiton now trail Men’s National Premier Division leaders Reading, who beat Bowdon 2-1 at home on Sunday, by an unbridgeable seven points, but are very much threatened by third-placed East Grinstead, who now trail them by only one point after beating Hampstead & Westminster 6-2 on Saturday and drawing 1-1 against Beeston on Sunday, both games at home.

This Saturday Surbiton Ladies are away to eighth-placed Harrow Ladies and on Sunday the Men to league leaders Reading.