Reading were eight minutes from regaining Men’s Premier Division status before rivals Indian Gymkhana scored twice late on to draw 3-3 on Sunday.
Sam Welsh scored in the 51st minute to put Reading 3-1 ahead before a yellow card paved the way for James Tindall, then Daman Bansal three minutes from time drew Gymkhana level to keep their promotion hopes alive in thrilling fashion.
Reading, who play relegation threatened Team Bath Buccaneers next weekend, now need one win from their last two games to secure the title. Indian Gymkhana play Canterbury, who are also in danger of playing Conference hockey next season.
Loughborough Students could have put one foot in the Premier Division where their women’s compatriots have enjoyed top flight status in recent seasons, but they still remain atop of Men’s Division 1 after slipping up to their nearest rivals this weekend.
It will be a tight run-in after second-placed Brooklands MU closed the gap to within one point with two games left following a thumping 4-1 win at home to the Students.
James Lavers scored a double to keep Brooklands vying for the title and regain Premier Division status.
In the women’s Division 1 race to the top flight, Barnes‘s 2-0 victory at Wimbledon leaves the Londoners four points clear with two games left as they aim for Premier Division hockey for the first time.
Aleesa Ferguson scored either side of half-time to maintain their title challenge in the hot seat.
University of Exeter stay on their heels after beating Sevenoaks 5-2 at home and will need to win both their remaining games, hoping for a Barnes slip up.
Durham University also remain four points clear of Beeston with two matches left in Division 1 North.
Durham smashed Buckingham 5-0 while Beeston ousted Wakefield 6-1. As with the south division, should Durham win their remaining matches they will be assured of playing in the top flight next season.
