Hockey: More than pride at stake

There will be plenty at stake at the Southdown Club tomorrow with Lewes bidding to avoid relegation and Grinstead still chasing a play-off spot.

Points are vital for both teams who will also be in action on Sunday, with Lewes visiting Bath Buccaneers and Grinstead playing host to promotion rivals Nottingham.

Lewes manager Paul Benoy said: "I will be looking for three points from the weekend. Four would be brilliant.

"East Grinstead are old oldest rivals. We expect a good game and home advantage will help us.

"A couple of years ago when we were both in division one we put eight past them. I think the boot is on the other foot now.

"We would be happy with a draw against Grinstead and then three points against Bath."

Marnix Achterbergh and Matt Lloyd return for Lewes after missing last Sunday's 9-1 hammering away to Nottingham but Giles Collins is missing through injury.

East Grinstead will still be without Matt McNeill, John Sullivan and David Litchfield.

Brighton can effectively clinch the Kent/Sussex Regional League title if they beat Blackheath at home tomorrow.

Victory would mean second placed Tunbridge Wells could only catch Brighton on goal difference and their tally is currently 44 worse than the leaders.

Skipper Carlo Missirian said: "It is a massive day for the club.

"I said I didn't think Tunbridge Wells could win every game after Christmas and they haven't.

"It is up to us to surge forward and get those four points which would confirm us as champions as soon as possible."

Brighton welcome back defenders Richard Baker and Pete Smales but Kevin Brown is unavailable.

Horsham are without Stuart Donaldson and Hamish White for their trip to Herne Bay. Andy Down is in the squad after returning to the club and Pete Lambert is promoted from the seconds.

East Grinstead's Saint Hill pitch has been chosen to stage the end-of-season Premiership finals to be held on May 5.