Reading focus on indoor success

Richard and his brother Simon Mantell both went to the Beijing Olympics

Reading Hockey Club are determined to add an indoor title to their success in the outdoor game this weekend.

The team travel to Birmingham to compete with East Grinstead, Loughborough Students and Old Loughtonians to claim the indoor crown.

Full-back Richard Mantell told BBC Radio Berkshire it is an important competition for them.

He said: "We're haven't won the indoor title before - we haven't had the same focus on the indoor game as outdoors."

The Great Britain international, 27, added: "It's quite different - shorter and sharper from a running point-of-view.

"The game is lightning fast because the floors are much quicker than the astroturf we play on. It's much more about not making mistakes or the other team will capitalise."

Mantell said Reading are well-placed to defend their national English Hockey League title.

"We're halfway through the season with the winter break and we're second in the table at the moment, just behind Cannock who have been our biggest rivals over the past couple of years.

"We're pleased with where we are and want to make sure we're top by the end of the season."