WORCESTER Norton Women's under 15s hockey team is set to make history on Saturday with the club's first ever appearance in a national final since it was founded in 1892.

The final at Milton Keynes' National Stadium is also set to be a big consolation for six of last year's side who suffered semi final heartache in their defeat to Lancashire's Nelson Hockey Club on a cold and wet afternoon.

This season's quest for glory in the English Hockey Association's under 15 Cup for Schools and Clubs began on October 25 with a 5-0 win at Pate's Grammar School in Cheltenham.

In November captain and goalkeeper Fiona Nash proved to be the match winner against Lady Katharine Berkeley's School from Wootton- under-Edge when she saved three penalties after the two sides were locked 1-1 at full time.

A dynamic display against Oakham School from Leicestershire resulted in a 6-0 win which then ensured a trip to Taunton School where drawing 2-2 at half-time, Worcester Norton upped the pace to take the tie 4-2.

The reward was then a long journey to Felsted School in Essex for the quarter-final where a tense and close game saw Worcester return as 3-1 winners.

The semi-final three weeks ago was the tightest match so far with visitors, Macclesfield HC, having an England under 16 player in their ranks.

However midfielders Charlene Mason and Anna Simmonds dealt excellently with the threat but Worcester again needed penalties to take victory with Nash once again making a crucial save in the 4-3 shootout.

Fourteen-year-old Nash has been an inspiration leader with her experience as Norton's first team keeper in the Midland Premier League proving invaluable.

Nash has also represented the Midlands at under 15 level in national championships at home and in international tournaments abroad.

Vice-captain Mason has played in the Midland Premier League side for Worcester as well as twice for the Midlands in the national championships.

Striker Jenny Rogers and central defender Jackie Russell have also represented the Midlands abroad while eight others have represented Worcestershire: Lauren Woodwiss, Lucy Allen, Liz George, Anna Perrott, Kerry McGrath, Jennifer Wilks, Rebecca Hardie and Anna Simmonds.

The remaining squad members are Kim O'Neill, Anna Saunders, Beth Ghalamkari and Olivia Robinson.