SLOUGH open their Investec Hockey League programme with a short trip to Reading on Saturday (4.30pm pushback), writes Dave Wright.

Following a restructure of the league, the Berkshire rivals now find themselves playing in the new Division One South.

The Pink and Blacks were relegated from the Premier Division last season, while the Sonning Lane club finished sixth in the Conference West.

Over the summer, there have been several departures and arrivals at Upton Court Park.

New signings include Briony Anyon from St Albans and Megan Hughes from Oxford University, along with Sara Vollmerhausen, a fresh face to England hockey.

Not surprisingly, some players have decided to stay in the Premier Division. Kitty Baccanello has joined East Grinstead, Nicole Marks signed for University of Birmingam with Emma O’Nien and Lucy Wood both opting for Buckingham. Katie Jurdon and Mila Welch have gone to University of Nottingham.

Slough’s first home fixture is on Saturday 5th October when they host Harleston Magpies.

The club’s men’s first team also find themselves in a new competition this season, playing in the Premier Division Two South.

Their opening fixture is away to Henley this Saturday.