HOLCOMBE Hockey Club are looking forward to a difficult first game in the National League on Sunday as they welcome Havant.

The Rochester-based squad have been strengthened this summer with the arrival of South African international Greg Nicol, 29, who finished third highest goalscorer in the Athens Olympics.

Pre-season has also gone well, with Holcs testing themselves against higher-league opposition in preparation for their Premier 3 campaign.

Team manager Mike Haines said: “Havant finished fifth last year. With the league restructured and four going up, you could say they are the strongest side left in this division.

“So it will be a good marker for us, although we are setting our stall out early and want to win this league at the first attempt.

“We’re looking for our fourth successive promotion and feel confident as we have good experience of experience and youth, with a sprinkling of

internationals.

“Simon Owen plays for Wales and Nicol is a major signing. His record speaks for itself, with an international record of 235 goals in 186 games.”