East Grinstead have made a storming start to the defence of their national indoor title.

They are only one win from booking their place at finals night again after four victories out of four in the opening weekend of qualifying group matches.

Only one outfield player in the squad failed to score as Grinstead rattled in 46 goals in big wins over Beeston (11-2), Harleston Magpies (8-2), Old Loughtonians (11-5) and St Albans (16-1).

One victory from the second round of four games on January 8-9 will secure a place at finals night but manager Matt Jones insists they will be determined to remain unbeaten even though two of their four remaining opponents are Loughborough Students, the only other undefeated team so far, and third-placed Reading.

Jones said: “I have been involved for ten years with the indoor squad and some of the hockey we played was outstanding, it was truly sublime.”

“We’re all over the moon with how we played with what is a new-look squad.”

Grinstead achieved their four victories despite being without England international Ashley Jackson and German teenager Mats Gransbusch in the wins over Loughtonians and St Albans.

Gransbusch scored twice on his debut while Scottish international Niall Stott, their other newcomer, got seven goals.

Dave Du Prez led the way with 14 including six against Loughtonians. Other scorers were: Mark Prean (6), Dom Male (5), skipper Scott Ashdown (4), Adam Harper (2) and Mike Holland.

Jones says Grinstead are determined to go into finals night with an unblemished record.

He added: “We are top after the first weekend which is exactly where we want to be.

“We only need one win to go through which is a relatively comfortable position but it is how we qualify which is important.

“We will use the other games to fine-tune our performance and experiment when we can afford to but we are in the best possible shape to retain our trophy.”