Sport

JOLLY HOCKEY STICKS!

By Theo Rowley ⋅ February 4, 2008 ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

PROFILE: UoL LADIES’ HOCKEY TEAM

To say that the University of Liverpool’s women’s hockey team are destined for great things would be an understatement. Having secured a league title in December, the team has inspired enough support to suggest that hockey can rival football in the popularity stakes.

Under the guidance of captain Libby Norris, who is also AU President, the team has improved endlessly and has seen a total reversal of fortunes after battling relegation the previous year.

This improvement yielded success in December as UoL clinched the league title with a game in hand. To make the achievement even sweeter, they defeated age-old foe the University of Manchester 2-0 to rightfully obtain the Northern 2A league title.
A 3-3 draw in the final game against Central Lancashire saw UoL concede their first and only goals of the season; an incredible unbeaten record.

When asked about the image of her beloved game, Libby is pessimistic. “The publicity of football is on a totally different level. Hockey is mostly amateur, without all the money.”

This is not to say it deters a throng of students joining up each year. “The freshers are instrumental in ensuring the club continues to thrive. With an intake of about 50, they always integrate well with an enthusiastic attitude.”

With a bright future and the help of the new Sport Liverpool scheme, it is understandable to see why there is a buzz about the place for the future of women’s hockey.