Harleston Magpies Ladies' I look ahead to the new Vitality Women’s Division 1 South season

After avoiding relegation on the final day of last season, John Adams is aiming for an upturn in fortunes for Harleston Magpies Ladies’ I going into the start of their Vitality Women’s Division 1 South campaign.

It was a nervy finale for Harleston’s highest-placed team in 2021/22, as a 4-4 draw at home to Canterbury was enough to see them avoid finishing bottom of the table.

But ahead of opening their new season with a trip to Slough tomorrow (12.15pm), manager Adams, now in his third year in charge, hopes his young squad can avoid another scrap for survival this time round.

“Last year we struggled a bit but we managed to survive in the league,” he said. “We have reason to thank England Hockey because they changed the rules and relegated one team instead of two teams.

“We knew the rule change before the last game, but we still thought we had to get a win in the last game, as any of the three teams could have finished bottom.

“This season we’re very much looking to consolidate and move up the table.

“We’ve brought in some new players and we’ve got a lot of young players. It’s a very young squad with a lot of the players 18 or below.

“We’ve also got some very experienced players who have played at the club for a few years.

“We’ve got a new coach as well this season in Georgia Linnell and she’s created a very positive atmosphere around the camp.

“She’s made a few changes and we’re very excited about our prospects for the season.”

With Linnell on board as lead coach, Magpies have also had a change of captain with Ella Picton stepping up to replace Katrina Sitch.

“Ella Picton has taken over as captain which is very exciting,” Adams said. “She’s a very talented player and has a lot of knowledge about the game, so that’s a massive boost as well for us.

“Katrina has been our captain for several seasons and has done a superb job. She’s taking time out of the game with her pregnancy.”

Meanwhile, Harleston Magpies Men’s I open their new Men’s Conference Midlands campaign with a trip to University of Nottingham II on Sunday (4.30pm).

Magpies finished in third place last season behind champions Barford Tigers and runners-up Harborne.

The club have also welcomed Seven Group on board as a sponsor for the men’s and women’s first teams this season.