Ladies hunt for double victory

Worksop Ladies Hockey Club are hoping to celebrate twice in a week, as their second team hunt a league and cup double this weekend.
Worksop Ladies 1st's V South Notts Picture: Goal celebration. (w101120-3g)Worksop Ladies 1st's V South Notts Picture: Goal celebration. (w101120-3g)
Worksop Ladies 1st's V South Notts Picture: Goal celebration. (w101120-3g)

The ladies clinched the Notts Womens Division Two title last weekend, with a 3-2 victory away at Boots Ladies.

And this weekend they’re hoping to finish their season in style, when they take on Meridian in the Notts Shield final.

The victory that brought them a league championship was accompanied by a loss for Worksop’s closest rivals Beeston.

Annabelle Wilson, who scored in Saturday’s title decider, told the Guardian the team were surprised to win the league a week earlier than previously hoped.

“We thought the title race would go down to the last match, but were absolutely thrilled when other results meant we couldn’t be caught,” she said.

“We’ve spent most of the season in second or third and only went top for the first time two weeks ago.”

“We’re a close team and everyone has played their part in the success.”

Boots Ladies fielded a surprisingly strong side for a team towards the bottom of the table, which initially unnerved the league leaders, and defenders Jo Lee, Chris Hindley and Wendy Fleet saw considerable early action.

Fortunately, in-form striker Megan Stokes took the opportunity when it came giving Worksop the lead with a brilliant strike through a crowd of players.

Sian Jago made it 2-0 before half time by jabbing the ball over the goal line when the Boots keeper failed to clear.

Wilson made it 3-0 early in the second half when Stokes turned provider.

Boots then scored twice against the run of play to make the remainder of the game a tense, high tempo contest.

But the visiting defence held firm to celebrate a league title.

Worksop face Meridian in the cup final on Sunday at Highfields, Nottingham at 12pm.

Wilson says the double would be the perfect end to a good season.

“The hockey club is in a good position, with the firsts pushing for promotion from Notts Premier and the thirds completing their inaugural Division Three season.”

“For the seconds to complete the double would be a fantastic achievement and we want to finish the season in style.”

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