John Adams believes his Harleston Magpies Women’s side should take pride in retaining their top-tier status in Super 6s Indoor Championships for second straight season
They may not have achieved their goal of a top-four finish to qualify for the Super 6s Indoor Championships Finals Day but John Adams believes his Harleston Magpies Women’s side should take pride in retaining their top-tier status again.
A disastrous opening weekend in Repton, which saw them lose all three of their games despite their team managers seeing them be on top for long spells, had left them in another scrap for Premier Division survival.
But just like in their top-flight debut in the England Hockey competition last year, they proved to have enough to avoid falling through the trap-door, matching last season’s sixth-placed finish as they ended fourth from bottom in the standings.
“The aim was a top-four finish and a place at finals day but unfortunately it wasn't to be,” said Adams.
“However, every player should be very proud of what they achieved over the two weekends; sixth place in the league against teams with internationals and far more experience.
“I heard one parent in the crowd ask ‘where is Harleston?’
“And it’s really special to be involved with a club in the middle of nowhere holding their own against all the big clubs in the country.
“It showed incredible character and belief to win the final two games under so much pressure, especially with so many young players.”
With their losing streak having continued through the opening six matches, it all boiled down to games against fellow winless side Repton and fellow relegation-threatened outfit Guildford.
And coaches Sam Rowe and Simon Letchford managed to get their side to pass the test with flying colours, seeing off a Repton side with home backing 7-1.
The vision of Beth Gardens and the dribbling skills of Hollie Dring Richardson and Lauren Rowe created panic in Repton's defence, causing them to concede numerous short corners with Magpies gaining six goals from them.
In a win-for-survival contest with Guildford, the Norfolk side then produced a rousing display to win 8-2 and celebrate another season in the top tier.
It was a much tougher game with captain Lauren Barber proving to be a rock at the back, while at the other end Magpies’ corners were again pivotal, delivering five of their goals.
The result also saw Magpies, sponsored by Emirates Logistic Services, go above Slough on goal difference for another sixth-placed finish.
Magpies Ladies’ I’s outdoor season does not resume until February 1.