woMen's Phase 2 news
MANCHESTER TRIUMPH IN SUPER FIVES
City of Manchester may have lost the men’s Super 5s championship by the narrowest of margins, but the girls’ team made no mistake in the women’s finale at Cardiff International Pool (11/12 February).
With matches against closest rivals Liverpool Lizards already completed (one victory each, but crucially with Manchester boasting a better goals record in those fixtures), Manchester went into the final weekend needing to win two remaining matches to make sure of the title.
This was easily achieved. West London Penguin Emperors were beaten 9-4, with Siohban Hoy scoring three of the goals. Then Manchester accounted for bottom team, Coventry, 10-4.
The Lizards, meanwhile, outplayed Otter 12-3, with Rachel Benson (4) and Laura Hesketh (3) the leading scorers, and then Coventry 15-3.
The London derby between Otter and Penguin Emperors proved to be one of the most exciting games of the weekend. The outstanding Alexis Higlett’s third goal put Otter 7-6 ahead in the final quarter before Penguin salvaged a point with a goal from Chiara Palazzo just over a minute from the end.
Manchester team photo: Back row (left to right) Diane Chadderton (team manager), Siobhan Hoy, Emma Bartlett, Polly Egan, Rosie Egan, Tuesday Birmingham, Lucy Aspinall, Jade Smith, coach Craig Hammond. Front: Casey Smith, Victoria Hawkins (captain), Briony Rutlidge, Ella Chadderton.
LIVER BIRDS WIN CHAMPIONSHIP 1
There was no lack of tension on the final day of the Championship 1 season at Cardiff (11/12 February) as Liverpool Liver Birds narrowly edged out City of Sheffield for the title – and then, in the very last match of the campaign, Bristol Central claimed third place and promotion to Division One.
With the Liver Birds and Sheffield level on points – and having drawn when they met earlier in the season – the teams knew that, if they could win their last games, the championship would be decided on goal difference.
Liverpool struck a telling first blow by demolishing Solihull 22-10, including eight goals by Lauren Tasker and five by Beth Richards. It meant that Sheffield then had to beat Leeds Sharks by 12 clear goals – a challenge that was always beyond them. They won 10-3. Our picture shows the Liverpool team with coach Gordon Dacre. Back (left to right), Jane White (captain), Kathryn Routledge, Irene Tenchini, Bethan Richards. Front: Jenny Lee, Nicky Ross, Lauren Tasker, Charlotte Penney, Tilley Penney.
The battle for third reached a remarkable conclusion. Bristol and Manchester Comets were aware that the winners of their match would take third spot – but that a draw would hand the promotion prize to Caledonia.
T
he match was even until the third quarter when Bristol went from 5-4 to 7-4 before eventually winning 8-6, including a hat-trick by Laura Shears. Earlier, Caledonia blew their best chance of promotion, losing 7-4 to the Comets – for whom Bernice Cowton scored five – and then being held to a 6-6 draw by battling Mid Sussex Marlins. Marlins goalkeeper Amy Styles saved a penalty in the second quarter. This picture (by Darren Nash) shows Marlins' Charlotte Bates (White 7) battling with Sheffield's Minnie Gale.
NORA INSPIRES ROCKHOPPERS VICTORY
P
enguin Rockhoppers claimed the women’s Championship 3 title at Walsall (28 January). But, not for the first time this season, the divisional winners had to wait until the very last match of the campaign before securing the trophy.
Southampton had begun the day as favourites, with a 100 per cent record from six matches. But their chance was blown when they lost twice – 5-1 against Polytechnic and 13-7 against Tyldesley.
Rockhoppers almost came unstuck against Hucknall, trailing 8-6 at one stage but eventually winning 13-12 when Nora Benko scored her eighth goal with just over a minute remaining. Laura Woodfield was the star for Hucknall with nine goals.
Eventually, it all came down to the last two matches. If Penguin and Poly both won - against Hucknall and Invicta respectively - they would finish level on points. But Penguin would take top spot on the basis that, way back in November when the London sides met, Penguin won 5-2.
Poly beat Hucknall – but only just. The match ended 5-4, with Hucknall unable to convert a man-up in the last 22 seconds.
It looked easy for Penguin against Invicta as five-goal Benko led the charge into a 7-0 lead in the third period. Invicta rallied strongly but eventually went down 8-4. Our picture shows the Penguin girls celebrating with the trophy. Back row (left to right): Fiona Tranter, Emma Stapleton, Rhia Haycock, Laura Hues, Vicky Miller, Julia Hornig, Michaela Capkova. Front: Fiona Greer, Nora Benko.
OTTER’S DERBY VICTORY
Otter edged out London rivals Penguin 8-7 in an exciting Super 5s derby at Manchester Aquatics Centre (21/22 January).
In the first quarter, Otter raced into a 4-0 lead. But Penguin fought back and gradually recovered to level at 5-5 in the third before losing out in the final stages. Eleanor Thomson scored three of the Penguin goals.
The leading sides, City of Manchester and Liverpool Lizards, both took maximum points from their games.
Manchester beat Coventry 12-3 but were pushed all the way by Penguin before winning 4-2. The Lizards were too good for Coventry, winning 14-5, including goals by Hannah Wild (5), Kathryn Fowler (3) and Katie Hesketh (3). Then they defeated Otter 13-4.
VITAL REVENGE WIN FOR MANCHESTER
City of Manchester, the British League women’s champions, avenged last month’s defeat by great rivals Liverpool Lizards to take top spot by virtue of a superior goal difference after the latest Super 5s matches at Grantham (14/15 January).
The teams will look to take maximum points from their remaining matches. If that happens, goal difference will decide the title – with Manchester currently comfortably ahead of Liverpool.
Manchester took an early 3-0 lead against the Lizards and retained a healthy advantage throughout, eventually winning 9-4.
It was fairly plain sailing for both teams in their other games. Manchester defeated London Otter 11-3 while Liverpool beat West London Penguin 11-7, including five goals for the winners by Kathryn Fowler.
Five goals by Elizabeth Dunn helped Otter overcome Coventry 15-10. But Coventry had every reason to celebrate later when they edged a 9-8 victory over Penguin. Coventry led 8-5 before a late Penguin rally almost earned a point. Claire Walmsley and Danielle Elliott notched hat-tricks for Coventry.
SCOTS MOUNT ANOTHER PROMOTION CHALLENGE
After winning two consecutive promotions, Caledonia are now making a strong bid for a top three place in Championship 1, which would mean Scottish representation in Division One for the first time at the start of next season.
Caledonia won both their matches at Grantham (14/15 January) – 13-12 against Solihull thanks to a goal just three seconds from the end of a thriller by Holly Campbell and 5-2 against Leeds.
Undefeated Sheffield and Liverpool Liver Birds hold the top two places, with Caledonia jumping to third. Leeds and Bristol remain in the mix as far as promotion places are concerned.
The Liver Birds were comfortable 14-6 winners over Mid Sussex Marlins but left it late to beat Manchester Comets 13-12. Manchester recovered from 10-5 down to 12-12, only to lose out when Nichola Ross scored her fourth goal with 16 seconds remaining.
Sheffield defeated Manchester Comets 13-7, with Meg Naughton (3), Laura Fox (2), Heather Hall (2), Witney Luke (2) and Elli Weatherhill (2) leading the scorers. Then Sheffield beat Solihull 7-2.
Bristol won their two matches. Laura Shears’ fourth goal with 20 seconds left earned an 8-7 success against Leeds; then Bristol outplayed Mid Sussex Marlins 10-2.
LIVERPOOL’S LATE WINNER
Liverpool Lizards staged a late rally to beat their great rivals City of Manchester 9-8 on the opening weekend of the women’s Super 5s at Loughborough University (10/11 December).
Manchester held a narrow advantage for much of the game and took an 8-7 lead early in the final quarter. But exclusions then began to take a toll on the Manchester girls and the Lizards struck back with goals by Hannah Wild and Nicola Powley. The picture shows Sarah Pimblett, of Manchester (blue 11), defending against Katie Hesketh, of Liverpool.
Earlier, Manchester beat London Otter 10-6, including four goals by Ella Chadderton.
Penguin recovered from 6-5 down in the second quarter to defeat Coventry 9-8. But the Londoners were well beaten, 13-6, by the Lizards, with Kathryn Fowler scoring five and Rebecca Mulcahy three. Pictured right is Penguin's Tasja Botha. Photos: Trevor Hyde
WANDERERS WIN TITLE
Welsh Wanderers clinched the women’s Championship 2 title at Blackpool (10/11 December) with an emphatic 15-4 victory over South Derbyshire, including four goals by Jenny Myo. Players in our picture are (left to right): Laura Hatcher, Jen Myo, Carrie Hinder, Katie Austin, Bex Carling, Vikki Binks, Rachel Roberts, Hannah Freeman, Steph Clark, Em North and Cath North. The coach is Alan Rotsey.
London Otter Lutra won their two matches at Blackpool to finish level on points but, with the Wanderers-Otter match at Corby last month ending in a 6-6 draw, Wanderers took first place by virtue of a superior overall goal difference.
Otter and Sheffield Sharks will fill the other promotion places to Division Two next season. The Sharks earned third position with a 9-6 success against Liverpool Water Beatles, including two goals each from Rhiannon Foulds and Gemma Sykes.
Rebecca Anderson’s goal just over a minute from the end gave Otter Lutra a 5-4 win over the Water Beatles.
LEEDS ON TOP AFTER A WEEKEND OF DRAWS
There will be no easy wins for teams in women’s Championship 1 this season, as proved at Walsall (3/4 December).
Day one saw Sheffield score in the last few seconds to draw 7-7 with Liverpool Liver Birds. Then day two began like this:
A late goal by Mid Sussex Marlins’ Lucy Deacon gave her side a 10-10 draw with Solihull. Then Gabriella Morris scored in the last minute to earn Caledonia an 8-8 draw with 
the Liver Birds. Then Bristol Central lost a 7-5 lead in the final quarter against Sheffield and were held to a 7-7 draw when Sheffield’s Laura Fox netted with 13 seconds remaining.
Leeds Sharks then restored some normality to the proceedings with a 13-7 victory over Manchester Comets.
In fact, Leeds are the only side with a 100 per cent record after the opening weekend, having also beaten Mid Sussex Marlins 7-4 and Solihull 17-7. The picture at the top shows Leeds' Lisa Marshall (blue cap) battling with Catherine Freeman, of Solihull. Below: Solihull's Lesley Jennings (white 5) battles with a partly-submerged Naomi Mack, of Leeds. The Solihull goalkeeper is Sammy Owen. Photos: Darren Nash
POLY’S DOUBLE SUCCESS
Polytechnic improved their prospects of a top three place in women’s Championship 3 with two victories at Basingstoke Aquadrome (3/4 December). The London side recovered from 4-3 down against Tyldesley to claim the winner in the last minute at 6-5. They followed up with a 7-4 success against Invicta.
Southampton remain top with a 100 per cent record, including two points from a walk-over against City of Birmingham, who were unable to raise a team. Penguin Rockhoppers are also challenging for a top three spot, Nora Benko scoring four in a 12-7 defeat of Sunderland, for whom Alison Mell also netted four.
Tyldesley and Hucknall were all square at 10-10 until goals in the final period by Grace Morley (2) and Jo Costello gave Tyldesley a 13-10 win.
Iceni’s youngsters continue to struggle at this level, Matilda Williams scoring seven in Invicta’s 21-2 victory. But there was some encouragement for Iceni – Emma White’s two goals were among the best of the weekend. Laura Woodfield was on target eight times in Hucknall’s 16-5 win against Sunderland.
WANDERERS GO CLEAR
Welsh Wanderers strengthened their position at the top of women’s Championship 2 with a hard fought 11-7 victory over Liverpool Water Beatles at Gloucester (26 November).
When Beth Bolton scored for Liverpool late in the third quarter, the sides were level at 7-7. But Rebecca Carling replied for Wanderers; then goals by Claire Wyatt, Carling and Victoria Binks took their side clear.
Otter Lutra moved up to second place, scoring six in the last quarter to beat Sheffield Sharks 11-5 and then defeating Manchester Barracudas 9-3, including five goals by Michaela Krejci.
HANNAH KEEPs SOUTHAMPTON ON TOP
Southampton maintained their 100 per cent record in women’s Championship 3 at Manchester Aquatics Centre (19 November) – but it was close against Hucknall.
It needed a goal two minutes from the end by Hannah Jack to clinch an 8-7 victory. Laura Woodfield scored three of Hucknall’s goals.
Most exciting game of the day saw Invicta draw 8-8 with Tyldesley. With two minutes remaining, Grace Morley scored to give Tyldesley an 8-7 lead, only for Anna Newell to equalise in the next attack. Josephine Costello scored five for Tyldesley.
Invicta received a walk-over against Hucknall due to the late arrival of their opponents.
CARLISLE QUIT BWPL WOMEN’S LEAGUE
Carlisle have resigned from BWPL women’s Championship 2 due to a shortage of players.
It means that match schedules and timings will change for remaining tournaments at Gloucester (26 November) and Blackpool (10/11 December). The Gloucester programme will also start later than originally listed. The timing of men’s Championship 3 games at Blackpool is not affected.
Click on the Championship 2 fixtures page for full details.
CARRIE’S VITAL LATE GOAL
Otter Lutra and Welsh Wanderers fought out an exciting 6-6 draw to ensure that both completed the first weekend of Championship 2 action at Corby International Pool (12/13 November) with unbeaten records.
The London side led 5-3 at one stage but were brought back to 5-5 before a goal by Louise Brampton gave Otter a 6-5 advantage with four minutes remaining. There were only 47 seconds to play when an equaliser from Carrie Poole ensured the teams shared the spoils.
Liverpool Water Beatles were the only side to take maximum points, defeating Manchester Barracudas 5-3 and South Derbyshire 9-6; then taking both points when Carlisle scratched from all their weekend matches.
South Derbyshire started the last minute against Sheffield Sharks with a 13-12 lead, only to lose out when Beth Proctor netted a penalty 38 seconds from the end and then Rhiannon Foulds claimed the Sheffield winner with eight seconds left on the clock.
Elaine Myo and Rebecca Dyer both scored hat-tricks in Welsh Wanderers’ 14-4 defeat of London Penguin Kings. Manchester Barracudas’ 15-9 success against Penguin included four goals by Isobel Howe.
NEW DATE FOR WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 3
The women’s Championship 3 event scheduled for Walsall on Saturday, 10 December, has been transferred to Saturday, 28 January – also at Walsall. Click on fixtures page for programme details.
hannah's last ditch winning goal
A goal 16 seconds from the end by Hannah Jack clinched Southampton’s 10-9 win against Invicta during the first women's Championship 3 weekend at Walsall (5/6 November).
Hucknall, Southampton and West London Penguin Rockhoppers all took maximum points from their opening matches.
