A tense 24 hours this week ended with Slough Ladies’ hopes of European success next month boosted by a volte-face by the European Hockey Federation (EHF).

Slough had qualified for the semi-finals of the EuroHockey Club Champions Cup to be hosted by the HGC club in The Hague, Netherlands, on 10-12 June, after the two opening rounds in Holland at Easter.

At that time Slough and Leicester, who also qualified for the semi-finals,  expected to face each other next month, with two Dutch clubs contesting the other semi.

The rules of the competition, sent by the EHF to participating clubs before the opening rounds and confirmed on the EHF website at that time, stipulated that ‘If two clubs from the same national association are qualified for the semi-finals, then those two clubs shall play against each other’.

But the scenario changed when, on May 5, the EHF website announced the semi-final pairings.
Slough were to play HC‘s-Hertogenbosch, the  Euro- pean champions for the past 11 years, with Leicester facing Larensche HC.

At this time the EHF website was changed with the above rule deleted.

Naturally concerned at this development, the Slough and Leicester clubs sought the support of England Hockey Board (EHB) in seeking an explanation from the EHF for the change and requesting its reversal.

After several phone calls between all the parties late last week, Sally Munday, EHB chief executive, wrote to David Balbirnie, EHF general secretary, on Monday, outlining five telling reasons to back the request that the original rule be reinstated.

A day later Mr Balbirnie confirmed: “In the interests of fair play the EHF have agreed to revert to the published regulations that were applied at the Club Champions Cup at Easter.

“The changes were agreed at the EHF executive board meeting in June last year. Regretfully the adjusted regulations were not published.”

Sally Munday said: “I am pleased that the EHF have agreed to honour the regulations that were originally published regarding the draw for the semi-finals.

“They made a mistake and they have now put it right and it is the correct outcome.  Leicester and Slough will no doubt have a great battle and it will be excellent to see one of these great English teams in the European Clubs final.”

Slough manager Lynnette Smith said: “For all concerned it’s been a stressful few days. But it’s great to see that a united front with Leicester and EHB has achieved this result.

“We can’t underestimate Leicester but, while happy not to be facing the current European and Dutch champions, we still have to face the England League winners.

“Given recent history between us, it will be a close game.”

Last season Slough triumphed over Leicester to win the domestic championship title. This season they lost 3-0 to the East Midlanders, before playing out a goalless draw on the last weekend.