Grinstead look to Europe

East Grinstead remain desperate to be part of the new Champions League-style Euro Hockey League which will be launched next season.  Details of the new league were formally announced on Friday when it was revealed a total of 35,000 Euros would be up for grabs in prize money. The top 24 teams in Europe will contest the inaugural league with matches being televised live across Europe.

To qualify for the league Grinstead need to finish in the top three in the premier division and that may rest on the outcome of their appeal against the 3-3 draw at Hampstead and Westminster ten days ago which is still to be decided.

Grinstead have asked for the game to be replayed as the match officials failed to withdraw a Hampstead player from the field of play when their coach was yellow carded.  Should their appeal be successful, Grinstead would need to win their final two matches including one away to Loughborough Students, who currently occupy third spot. If unsuccessful, Loughborough would need to drop points in both their remaining games.

Grinstead confirmed fourth place for the season - which was their original target for the campaign - when they came from behind to beat Belper 7-1 at Saint Hill on Saturday.  Darren Cheesman drew Grinstead level within 30 seconds of falling behind in the 12th minute and further goals followed from Dave de Prez and Ben Payne to establish a 3-1 half-time advantage.

Grinstead turned on the style after the interval with de Prez completing a hat-trick, Payne adding his second and player-coach Mark Pearn adding to the tally.  Manager Matt Jones said: "We showed our class in the second half and could have scored two or three more."