Magpies finish an impressive third

HARLESTON Magpies Ladies' indoor team completed their indoor campaign on Sunday in English Hockey League Division One.

They gained two more wins against Liverpool and Sevenoaks, to finish in an impressive third place.

At the start of the day seven out of nine teams were in a scrap to stay out of the relegation zone because the league was that tight. Magpies' first game against Liverpool was a must-win to ensure they were out of danger.

Goals from Artemis Clark and two from Lucy Fields recorded a 3-1 win.

This win saw Magpies move up to third place, and in their final game against Sevenoaks, after trailing 1-0 at half-time, Angie Wheelhouse and Lucy Fields scored in the second half as Magpies ran out 2-1 winners.

Ironically, having finished the league strongly with three successive wins, Magpies were just two points behind Sutton Coldfield in second place, who were promoted to the Premier League.

After promotion from Division Two last season Magpies were happy to consolidate in Division One. Magpies had the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 11 goals, but only scored 13, which by indoor standards is low.

This meant every game was always going to be a tight battle, but the team competed well throughout the weekend.

In the process Bryony Lund, Lucy Fields, Jasmine Bartlett and Verity Blyth all made their Indoor League debuts in the first weekend and Ellie Bale in the second weekend. This was also a big achievement.

Squad over the two weekends: Debbie McAllen (captain), Lucy Hayman, Louisa Greenacre, Katrina Warnes, Frances Sumner, Bryony Lund, Verity Blyth, Jasmine Bartlett, Lucy Fields, Angie Wheelhose, Artemis Clark, Ellie Bale and Cherry Seaborn.

Bryony Lund, Verity Blyth, Jasmine Bartlett and Cherry Seaborn all played for the U18s in the Indoor National Finals on the second weekend.