In only their fourth season in the England Hockey League,
Surbiton were this afternoon crowned the Investec Women’s League Champions at
the play-offs at Reading.
Their Final, against Canterbury, got off to the very best of
starts when a penalty corner award resulted in Emily Atkinson scoring with less
than two minutes of play on the clock. But, despite generally dominating the
match, goals did not come easy, and it was not until 18 minutes into the second
half that they scored their second. Hollie Webb was the scorer from a penalty
corner. Jenna Woolven made it a third for Surbiton, giving them a 0-3 victory
and the Women’s Championships.
Earlier, Reading had taken third place after a match which
showed every sign of becoming a goal
blitz, with Clifton on the receiving end of the blitz. Becky Halle scored a hat trick, with other goals
from Alex Danson (2) and Jess Brooker.
Final score 0-6 to Reading.
In the Promotion Play-offs Buckingham managed to snatch victory
from the jaws of defeat by confounding form and winning their final match
against Sutton Coldfield 2-0. But it was a close run thing, and Sutton
Coldfield might count themselves as unlucky in not keeping their Premier
Division status. Buckingham’s scorer was Zoe Shipperley and both were from
penalty corners.
Buckingham will be joining Holcombe in the Premier Division
next season. It was already a done deal before this morning, but the Kent side
put their stamp on the promotion table by running riot against Brooklands Poynton,
beating them 2-8.
Final Promotion Tournament table: 1. Holcombe 7 pts (+12),
2. Buckingham 6 pts (+0), 3. Sutton Coldfield 4 pts (-1) 4. Brooklands Poynton
0 pts (-11). Holcombe and Buckingham are promoted.
Away from Reading there were important Relegation Tournament
matches. In the NOW:Pensions Men’s League Brighton beat Khalsa 3-4 and stay in
the League. In the Investec Women’s League. Boots lost at home to Chelmsford,
and Chelmsford retain their East Conference status.
We expect to have Pictures from Reading on our sister web
site at www.HockeyImages.co.uk some
time tomorrow.
