Team: Fyffe; Watson; Bullock, Parker, Campbell; Ruxton, Teasdale, Frick, Durkin; Cartledge, Patterson; Sub. Hewitt.

CHAMPIONS!!! A&C completed their 15th straight win away to Rover Oxford on Saturday and, with it, they won Division 1 of the Trysports Three Counties League with three games still to go.

Although not always playing their best hockey, A&C carved out numerous chances but found Rover in resilient form, particularly in the first-half. The first clear opportunity arose early in the game when Heidi Frick's pass released Laura Patterson who burst into the D but was denied by the first of a string of saves by the home 'keeper.

Soon afterwards Lynda Bullock's shot from a penalty corner was blocked and then a fine driving run by Erin Ruxton created an opening for Sarah Cartledge whose shot was saved.

Rover's most threatening attacks came from breaks and Catherine Watson was called upon to clear her lines well when under pressure. However, at the other end, Patterson and Bullock were both further denied by the 'keeper following another penalty corner shortly before half-time.

The breakthrough finally came 2 minutes into the second-half. Alex Teasdale passed the ball to Cartledge at the top of the D who turned and slipped the ball into the circle for Patterson to swivel and shoot in. A&C then enjoyed a large spell of possession in Rover's half and chances came and went with Cartledge, Bullock Patterson and Teasdale all going close.

It was no surprise that all this pressure brought further goals. After 58 minutes, Rachel Parker swept in Ruxton's pass at a penalty corner and, three minutes later, Frick's strike was deftly touched in by Patterson to make it 3-0.

A&C's return to top-flight local hockey is just reward for a team that suffered the heartache of being relegated from the Premier Division last year on just goal difference.

SIX NATIONS RUGBY

The big screen is back at the Clubhouse! Please make it your venue for watching all the games of the Six Nations Championship. The club will be open for the following games:

Saturday 12th March
Ireland -v- France (1.30pm)
England -v- Italy (4pm)

Sunday 13th March
Scotland -v- Wales (3pm)

Saturday 19th March
Italy -v- France (1pm)
Wales -v- Ireland (3.30pm)
England -v- Scotland (6pm)

Thank you to the following that umpired for us last weekend:

Heidi James (L1), Chris Paine (L2, MV), Peter Colwill (L4, M5), Janet Carter (L5), Paul Dunning (M3), Bob Hance (M4), Geoff Brown (MV).

YOU ARE INVITED...

... on Saturday 12th March for a night of top quality modern and northern soul sounds.

Free admission from 8pm till late-ish.

For further details please talk to Rachel at the Village Hall on (01753) 887596.

SUNDAY CUP SUPPORT

This weekend sees both the Men's and Ladies First Team playing Cup match quarter finals.

It would be great if you could come down to support the men (12:30 at Newlands Park) as this round could see them progressing to the same stage that they reached last year with every potential for winning the competition - and a large crowd could give the team the extra boost that may be needed.

Unfortunately the ladies team has to travel to Newcastle so are not expecting a huge support contingent, but hope to capitalise on an already outstanding season in the league and an excellent indoor season.

The travelling Squad for the ladies is:

Tanya Fyffe, Catherine Watson, Lynda Bullock, Rachel Parker, Jenny Reape, Sarah Cartledge, Erin Ruxton, Alex Teasdale, Heidi Frick, Annie Brothwell, Emma Hewitt, Caroline Coates, Laura Patterson and Jo Peters.

The best of luck to both teams on Sunday, and thanks to those souls that have decided to travel with the ladies to give them your support.

Thanks