Women's Indoor Report

Harleston Magpies Sponsored by Emirates Logistic Services place in the England indoor hockey premier league next season was never in doubt.

Despite getting off to the worst possible start on week 1 the squad never lost belief.

On week one the 1st game against Surbiton ended in a heavy defeat but there were positive signs that results would improve. Unfortunately that didn't happen the Magpies lost all 3 games despite being on top for long spells they just couldn't get the win all three games were close and could of gone either way right up to the final whistle.

Week 2 saw Magpies having to play last seasons champions East Grinstead in there 1st game no easy task but playing superb hockey they pushed Grinstead right to the end there was only ever one goal in it right up until the last minute when in trying to force an equalizer they were caught on the break twice to eventually lose 7-4. Despite another defeat Magpies were really positive about how close they had pushed the champions. 

Next up was Buckingham another team full of experience and included short corner specialist former international Sally Walton in there team. Sadly this game followed a similar pattern to the morning game Magpies were as good if not better than the former champions indeed they were ahead for a good part of the game but eventually Buckingham's experience won through 5-4 in what was one of the best games of the day.

Going into the last 2 games on Sunday Magpies still had no points but despite this and having such a young side the mood was really positive. Magpies are very lucky to have 2 of the best coaches in Sam Rowe and Simon Letchford they had instilled a real belief in the squad that if they stuck to the game plan and continued to execute the tactics that results would come although it didn't look good they new 2 wins on the final day would more than likely do the job. Repton were 1st up Magpies grew into the game and soon started to dominate, the vision of Beth Gardens and the dribbling skills of Hollie Dring Richardson and Lauren Rowe were creating panic in Repton's defence causing them to concede numerous short corners. Magpies corner routine was lethal bringing 6 goals in a 7-1 victory.

Magpies really believed they could win there last game against Guildford thus insuring another season in the top league. Watching both teams warm up it was clear Guildford were feeling the pressure. This was a much tougher game with both teams moving the ball well to create the openings but Magpies forwards Emily Hicks, Cherry Seaborn, Jess Howland, Sarah Brook and Holly Hartley worked tirelessly to deny Guildford the space to penetrate Magpies D and when they did there was no way past the rock Captain Lauren Barber but if they did Sophia Colman was in brilliant form. Magpies corners were again lethal with H.D.R. scoring 5. Going into the final quarter they were 4 goals ahead but 10 minutes is a long time indoors however they controlled the ball brilliantly never giving Guildford a sniff of getting back into the game. With there final through of the dice they took there goalkeeper off but even this didn't panic the team and they scored another 2 goals. An 8-2 victory meant Guildford were relegated and Magpies also went above Slough to finish 6th in the league a brilliant finish to the indoor season. This truly was a great performance by the whole squad over the 2 weekends, Mia Spaull made her debut at the age of 16. The experienced Megan Adams played all 4 games in goal week 1 and Georgina Barrett and Felicity Williams were important members of the squad last weekend. It was an extraordinary but thoroughly deserved comeback against such experienced teams. Congratulations to the whole Harleston Magpies squad and massive thank you to sponsor Emirates Logistic Services.