WORCESTER Norton Hockey Club's women's first team has made history by being the first Worcestershire women's team to win the English Hockey Inter-League play-off tournament and to qualify for the English National League.

In a committed display at the Commonwealth Games hockey complex, Manchester, Worcester pulled clear of their rivals to achieve their objective of the last seven years.

Going into the final stages of the tournament, Worcester were in second place on four points, two behind Epsom, the South champions and one point in front of Letchworth, the East winners.

They took on the National League relegation candidates Rover Oxford, who had survived in this tournament for the last two years and were experienced in dealing with the situation.

Worcester took the lead in the 13th minute through an accurate deflection by Jo Walker.

Rover drew level in the 50th minute from a penalty corner and took the lead ten minutes later. But Worcester fought back and five minutes from time, Charlene Mason flicked the rebound off the pads into the net for a crucial 2-2 draw.

With Epsom and Ben Rhydding drawing and St Austell beating Letchworth, the other day one results went in Worcester's favour and there was no change in the leading positions.

Unbeaten

However, Worcester knew that an inspired performance against Epsom, the unbeaten tournament leaders, was required the next day if they were to have any chance of promotion.

They did not disappoint with one of their best performances of the season.

There was no score at half-time but Worcester gradually took control and in the 55th minute, Evans struck a shot past the keeper's left foot. Harwood got her reward for her persistent harassing of the Epsom defence, when she deflected Adams' centre at the near post two minutes from time.

This 2-0 result took Worcester one point clear at the top, needing a point from their last game to qualify.

In their final game against Letchworth, Fletcher opened the scoring in the 20th minute but Letchworth equalised within five minutes. Shortly after, Mason was alert to score from Worcester's next penalty corner.

Yet again Letchworth battled back to grab a second equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Worcester dominated the second period to such an extent that they forced eight penalty corners to Letchworth's zero.

Lapper and Shepperd scored further goals to make the score 4-2, thus ensuring Worcester Norton of the top spot in the tournament and qualification for the National League next season.