With the second weekend of the Super 6s qualifiers almost upon us for some teams, the semi finals are almost within touching distance. With the first weekend done and dusted and with each team having played four times, the table has taken shape with last year’s semi-finalists Canterbury setting the pace with a four wins from four in the opening weekend.
The Polo Farm outfit saw off Sutton Coldfield, Slough, East Grinstead and Leicester in the first weekend, giving them maximum points and putting them within reach of another semi-final outing. The goals of Anna Kolarova (seven) and Sarah Kerly (five) have helped to put them there and with Mel Clewlow returning from her media duties to bolster the defence, Canterbury will be confident of getting the points they need.
Source: Simon Parker
Bowdon Hightown’s Sally Walton (Photo: Simon Parker)
Hot on the Kent side’s heels are defending champions Bowdon Hightown who showed their class once again with three wins from four games in week one. Sally Walton helped herself to 11 goals making her the tournament’s top scorer, just as she was last year. With Tina Cullen netting nine times too, there is a familiar look about Hightown and like Canterbury, who they face first up, they will be confident of making it into the top four.
East Grinstead’s signing of Emma Lee-Smith from Harleston Magpies has indeed proved to be a shrewd move as her eight goals ensured the Sussex outfit collected nine points from the first weekend as they bid to make a return to the finals where they lost out to Hightown last season.
Also on nine points are the University of Birmingham. Despite having a number of squad members away on U21 international duty, including top scorer Erica Sanders, Phil Gooderham’s side still has a strong look about it. Vanessa Hawkins, a winner of this competition with Leicester comes in as does Hockey writers Young Player of the Year Emily Defroand and the hugely talented Hannah Martin.
Slough, Leicester, Reading and Sutton are all grouped together with Slough on four points and the other three teams on three. Whilst it looks difficult on paper for those sides to qualify, stranger things have happened and with a lot of hockey to be played, there will yet be twists and turns in this competition. All four of those sides have recently played in the semi-finals and will know what it takes to get drag themselves up towards the top four for another tilt at the title.
Surbiton, newly promoted after a stellar season in division one last time out have found the going tough, picking up just one point from an entertaining 5-5 draw with Slough. Boosted by the inclusion of Sarah Haycroft and Giselle Ansley they will be keen to get themselves away from the foot of the table and up to a position of safety.
For all the standings, results, fixtures and scorers from the competition click here.
Tickets are now on sale to the Super 6s Finals. One of the most eagerly anticipated events in the hockey calendar is all set for action on 31 January 2016. Don’t miss out on your chance to see it all unfold before your eyes, book your tickets now!
Report courtesy of England Hockey.
