THIS Saturday sees the cream of Midlands women's hockey cross sticks in what may be the deciding match in the Midland Premier League when leaders Worcester Norton face second-placed Birmingham University at Nunnery Wood (3pm) in the last game before the Christmas break.

Worcester have a three-points advantage, are unbeaten and have the best defensive record in the league.

The University have one loss, have scored the most goals and were champions last year.

Worcester have injury worries. Key defenders Tina Evans and Becky Handy both had back problems that prevented them playing last week and fitness tests will be required before they enter the starting line-up.

Jane Game's calf muscle strain, picked up in the match against Loughborough Students, is expected to have responded to treatment. Fifteen-year-old Sophie Wood retains her place after last week's encouraging performance.

Squad: Fiona Nash, Sophie Wood, Jane Game, Becky Handy, Amanda Smith, Tina Evans, Kate Fletcher, Elaine Shepperd, Sadie Lapper, Becky Adams, Kate Draper, Jo Walker, Cathryn Fuge.

Worcester second and third teams provide an excellent appetiser (Nunnery Wood, 12 noon) when they clash in their second encounter in Worcestershire Division One.

The first match in September ended 1-1 and since then the seconds have been bidding for promotion and the thirds attempting to avoid relegation.

On Sunday at University College (1pm) Worc-ester take on National League Division One club Harleston Magpies from Norfolk in an EHA Cup third round match. Worcester will strengthen their squad with the addition of Rachel Billingham, Charlene Mason and Sarah Fellows.