Red-hot Spalding Poachers 1st are celebrating after clinching the East Women’s Hockey League Division Two North West title on Saturday.
Goals from Hermione Wright and Ellie Holland gave Spalding a 2-1 Glen Park success over nearest rivals Cambridge South 2nd on Saturday, making it 18 wins from as many matches so far this season and securing a deserved championship.
Wright converted Spalding’s first goal, using her pace to get up the pitch before reversing the ball past the surprised keeper.
An amazing run up the middle of the pitch then saw Charlotte Maplethorpe assist Holland for a great goal on the back post, putting Poachers 2-0 up at half time.
South did pull one back late in the second period, but another great team effort ensured that Spalding deserved their win – with Megan Moore player-of-the-match.
Their focus is now on completing what would be a remarkable perfect season, with Poachers some 15 points clear at the summit.
In the same division, Long Sutton ladies’ 1st gained a crucial victory against St Ives 2nd.
Goals from Lisa Baker and Hannah Burton were enough to clinch all three points in a tight 2-1 triumph.
In Division Two North West, Spalding Poachers 2nd battled to a 2-2 draw at home to Wisbech Town 2nd.
Amy Naylor put Spalding ahead when found the first goal from a penalty corner with a tap-in at the left post.
The visitors levelled before the break, but Karen Timby rifled Poachers back ahead from a penalty corner early in the second period.
However, a late leveller ensured the spoils were shared at Glen Park.
In the same division, Spalding 3rd handed Cambridge South 3rd a 5-0 walkover win.
Meanwhile in Division Five North West, third-placed Long Sutton 2nd played out a 0-0 draw with mid-table Pelicans 3rd.
Saturday fixtures: Long Sutton 1st v Cambridge Uni 3rd (2.30pm); Spalding 1st v St Ives 2nd (2pm); Bourne Deeping 2nd v Spalding 2nd (1.30pm); Spalding 3rd v Shefford & Sandy 2nd (11am); St Neots 4th v Long Sutton 2nd (11.30am)
