EHL 2025-26 Preview

WOMENS

Champions Reading travel to Wimbledon who they were unable to beat in either encounter last season. Runners up in last season’s final, Surbiton host newly promoted Barnes. The other promoted team Durham University are at home to Clifton Robinsons in their first ever top flight game. 

Hampstead & Westminster play East Grinstead in a battle between last season losing semi-finalists and Birmingham University welcome Bowdon who they beat in both encounters last season. There is an all-Student match up as Nottingham University take on local rivals Loughborough Students. 

OPEN/MENS

Champions Surbiton make their first visit in almost four years to Oxted, a re-run of the league semi-final last May. Old Georgians, who were denied a fourth successive title in last season’s final by Surbiton, welcome Beeston. Brooklands MU return to the Premier Division for the first time since 2022-23 and meet Southgate, who replaced them that season.

Hampstead & Westminster vs East Grinstead beings together the two teams from last season’s play-offs who failed to make the semis. It’s a long trip for Cardiff & Met who travel to Holcombe and Wimbledon, who grabbed third place and a European place in last season’s finals take on Reading, promoted back to the top flight after a season’s absence.