After taking top spot away from Surbiton last weekend, the University of Birmingham face a trip to Sugden Road to face their rivals in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.
Surbiton’s goalless draw at Bowdon Hightown, coupled with the University of Birmingham’s comeback 2-2 draw with Canterbury, meant that the students leapfrogged Surbiton on goals scored. But all that could change this weekend as one of the closest leagues for several seasons reached the Winter break.
“It’s a key game for both us and Surbiton,” said the University of Birmingham head coach Phil Gooderham. “Both teams – like a lot of sides at the moment – have players missing because they’re at the Hockey World League, but also because of injuries. But that’s just the nature of things and the girls who have stepped up have done really well for us.
“It’s going to be very close, but we will go down there and compete well and play hard. We’re looking forward to it, and it would be a great way to end the first half of the season with a win.”
Elsewhere, East Grinstead play host to Bowdon Hightown and could also go top if they win and the match between the current league leaders Surbiton and the University of Birmingham ends in a draw.
Buckingham are at home against Slough in their final outdoor match of the year and will want to end 2017 with a win and maintain their spot in the top four.
After a strong performance at the University of Birmingham last weekend, Canterbury will be looking to take the points as they entertain Leicester, while Holcombe play host to Clifton Robinsons.
In the Investec Women’s Conference West leaders Trojans face second-placed Reading with the winners guaranteed top spot heading into the Winter break.
Meanwhile third-placed Stourport are at home against Cannock and could move up to second with a win.
Leaders Beeston are at home against Fylde in the Investec Women’s Conference North as they look to make it ten wins from ten matches, while second-placed Brooklands Poynton head to third-placed University of Durham knowing the winner will take second place.
And similarly, Hampstead and Westminster are looking to maintain their perfect record in the Investec Women’s Conference East as they host Bedford, while second-placed Sevenoaks go to Barnes.
* The lead photo shows the University of Birmingham’s Rosie Henderson.
FIXTURES
Saturday, November 25 2017
Investec Women’s Hockey League
Investec Premier Division
Buckingham v Slough 12:00
East Grinstead v Bowdon Hightown 13:30
Canterbury v Leicester 14:00
Holcombe v Clifton Robinsons 14:00
Surbiton v Univ of Birmingham 16:00
Investec Conference North
Univ of Durham v Brooklands Poynton 12:00
Liverpool Sefton v Timperley 12:30
Loughborough Students v Ben Rhydding 12:30
Sutton Coldfield v Wakefield 12:30
Beeston v Fylde 14:00
Investec Conference East
St Albans v Harleston Magpies 13:00
Barnes v Sevenoaks 13:30
Hampstead & Westminster v Bedford 13:30
Southgate v Wimbledon 14:00
Cambridge City v Chelmsford 15:30
Investec Conference West
Olton & West Warwicks v Gloucester City 12:00
Oxford Hawks v Team Bath Buccaneers 12:00
Swansea City v Isca 12:00
Trojans v Reading 12:00
Stourport v Cannock 16:00
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