Investec ready to crown the Champions
19th April 2013This weekend, the nation’s top hockey clubs will be competing for glory, prize-money and European places in the showpiece finale to the season as Reading Hockey Club hosts the Investec Women’s Hockey League Finals Weekend.
Eight fantastic matches staged over two days will decide who is crowned the Investec Women’s Hockey League Champions, as well as who will take their place alongside them in the top flight next season following the culmination of the promotion play-offs.
With the nation’s top four sides decided in the final weekend of league action, it’s time for the battle to begin as we see who will be crowned champions. Canterbury, Reading, Surbiton and, last year’s winners Leicester will be fighting it out against each other for the coveted league title, their place in Europe and the £2,500 winner’s cheque.
There will be plenty of names to look out for at Reading as Olympic Bronze medallists Georgie Twigg, Chloe Rogers, Kate Walsh, Emily Maguire and Nicola White will all be in action for their teams.
Meanwhile, the three Investec Conference winners, Harleston Magpies (East), Beeston (North) and Buckingham (West) plus ninth placed Olton & West Warwickshire from the Investec Premier Division will contest the Investec Women’s Hockey League Play-Offs knowing that a top two finish will see them playing top flight hockey next season. With the first two matches already contested at Cannock last weekend, Olton & West Warwicks and Buckingham sit in the driving seat following victories over Beeston and Harleston Magpies respectively.
Thanks to the support of Investec there will also be prize money awarded throughout the weekend with cheques going to the top three Investec Premier Division sides as well as the three winners of the Investec Conferences.
All the top flight action from the weekend will be broadcast on Sky on Wednesday 24 April (19:00-21:00) so there’s another chance to relive all the glory moments and enjoy exciting performances from the nation’s finest players.
England Hockey’s Chief Executive Sally Munday says: “It’s been an exciting but hard-fought season for our top clubs and we’re expecting to see passionate performances and high drama as the 2013 League reaches its thrilling conclusion. As interest in hockey continues to soar, the event offers an exciting but relaxed weekend for fans and families alike and most importantly, an opportunity for people to engage with the sport.”
Over the two days, there will be lots of entertainment for youngsters wanting to have a go themselves as England Hockey’s Fun Zone will be in full swing throughout the weekend. Managed by hockey coaches, the Fun Zone will offer an inflatable hockey pitch, a chance to ‘beat the goalkeeper’ and to meet two of hockey’s most familiar faces, mascots Jasper and Jess.
The sun is set to shine and supporters will be able to enjoy a fantastic day out with a marquee where they can grab a bite to eat and enjoy a drink. Also inside will be the Official England Hockey Store and the England Hockey stand where you can find out all you need know about hockey from where to play to forthcoming events and how you can get involved in the world of hockey.
Advanced ticket information
There are some great savings to be made on advance bookings – prior to 14:00 on Friday 12 April. Buy advanced seat tickets today and save £5 with an adult weekend ticket or a massive £29 with a family weekend ticket (two adults, two concessions). Weekend tickets are only available in advance. Matchday tickets will increase by £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.
Investec Women’s Hockey League Finals line-up
Investec Premier Division 1st place - Leicester
Investec Premier Division 2nd place - Canterbury
Investec Premier Division 3rd place - Reading
Investec Premier Division 4th place - Surbiton
Investec Women's Hockey League Play-Offs line-up
Investec Conference East Champions – Harleston Magpies
Investec Conference North Champions - Beeston
Investec Conference West Champions - Buckingham
Investec Premier Division ninth place – Olton & West Warwickshire
Investec Women’s Hockey League Finals Weekend match schedule
Date Time Fixture Result
Sunday 7 April 13:00 Play-Off Match 1 – Beeston v Olton & WW 1-2
Sunday 7 April 15:00 Play-Off Match 2 – Buckingham v Harleston Magpies 2-1
Saturday 20 April 11:00 Play-Off Match 3 – Beeston v Buckingham
Saturday 20 April 13:00 Play-Off Match 4 – Harleston Magpies v Olton WW
Saturday 20 April 15:15 Semi-Final 1 – Leicester v Surbiton
Saturday 20 April 17:30 Semi-Final 2 – Canterbury v Reading
Sunday 21 April 10:00 Play-Off Match 5 – Harleston Magpies v Beeston
Sunday 21 April 12:00 Play-Off Match 6 – Olton WW v Buckingham
Sunday 21 April 14:45 Investec Women’s Hockey League Finals – 3rd v 4th
Sunday 21 April 17:15 Investec Women’s Hockey League Final