HASLEMERE Hockey Club Ladies 1st IX celebrated an historic end to the season for the club.

Captained by Sarah Elsworthy, they beat Winchester by one point to finish top of Hampshire Division 1 and gain a first-ever promotion to the South Women’s Regional league.

Alice Toynton was the team’s top-goal scorer, notably bagging herself six in the match against Eastleigh. The team clearly has the firepower to compete in the Regional league.

At the club’s AGM and awards night, skipper Sarah praised the players and coach Peter Crook for the superb team effort that had taken Haslemere Ladies to this level of hockey.

Proud parents looked on as club sponsor Peter Jones of Sports Locker presented Haslemere HC’s junior awards. These prizes are donated by Peter in recognition of the achievements of the younger players. The club offers excellent coaching and playing opportunities to juniors aged from five to 18.

Juniors receiving their vouchers from Peter Jones included Spencer Hawes (U10 most improved player), Molly Ashworth (girls U12 player of season), Guy Van Outtshoorn boys U12 player of season, Gemma Drake (junior female player of season) and Jonno Hoe (junior male top scorer).

After winning promotion, Haslemere Men’s 4th XI were hard pushed to rein in the top teams in their new division, Hampshire 5.

However, as the season progressed, Haslemere found themselves edging closer to the top of the table, recording key victories just before Christmas over Havant (6-0 ) and Eastleigh (2-0). It all resulted in a second-place finish behind Tojans.

It was a remarkable third successive promotion for the fourths who will compete in Division 4 next season.