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Page last updated at 13:43 GMT, Tuesday, 25 January 2011

Reading hockey coach Barnes excited by indoor finals

Hockey

Reading hockey coach Ben Barnes says he is expecting an exciting afternoon at this weekend's Super Sixes National Indoor Championships at Wembley Arena.

Reading face Beeston in their semi-final, with East Grinstead taking on Old Loughtonians in the other.

Barnes told BBC Berkshire: "It's a fast game full of goals and full of action so you can get a crowd into it easily.

"It's going to be an absolute sell-out on Sunday. So there will be an amazing atmosphere for the guys to play in."

Barnes added that although they are confident of beating Beeston, they are paying them sufficient respect.

"We had a good win against them in the league format just after Christmas," he said. "We'll make sure we look after the semi-final first and play well against Beeston - I know that we can beat them. But we mustn't look too far ahead."

Barnes said coaching a team in the indoor format of the game presents its own challenges.

"Because it's only six-a-side, with a much smaller pitch, it's very exciting, end to end. The game can change in the blink of an eye.

"It's a case of not getting too excited - try to keep the players calm and not taking anything for granted as three goals can be scored in the space of 30 seconds. So the game can change very quickly indoors."



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see also
Reading geared up for indoor bid
07 Dec 10 |  Hockey
Joyce excited by indoor season
07 Dec 10 |  Hockey
Reading Hockey Club eye play-offs
12 Nov 10 |  Hockey


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