SWINDON-based North Wilts hockey club celebrated a double promotion recently after both its Ladies first and second teams won their respective league titles.

The firsts dominated Whitehorse Division One - winning 16 of their 18 matches and securing promotion with two games to spare.

Meanwhile, the seconds romped to the Whitehorse Division Two title following 15 victories from 18 matches that resulted in a plus-48 goal difference.

Firsts captain, Anya Momi reacted to her team clinching the league thanks to a seven-point gap over City of Bath.

Momi said: “At the beginning of this season I am not sure any of us would have expected to be where we are now.

“This season has really seen the first team gel together, and with strong bonds on and off the pitch we have gone from strength to strength.

“Headed into the Christmas break and yet to lose a game, it felt like we could really achieve something this season.

“We stayed focused and determined, fighting for every win until a double header weekend at the beginning of March saw us secure the league title and promotion with two weeks left to go!”

The firsts’ season ended on a high with a fantastic 5-0 victory against Keynsham seconds - a team which fielded a strong side in order to try and avoid regulation.

Momo continued: “Winning 5-0 at home, surrounded by our supporters allowed us to finish a spectacular season in style.

“Personally, I am so incredibly proud of the hard-work, grit and determination the team have demonstrated week in, week out.

“To have only lost one game all season is an amazing feat and is testament to how motivated the team have been to succeed.

“This season has been made even sweeter by sharing success with our Ladies second team who have also triumphed.

“The North Wilts ladies are thriving, and it is a pleasure to be a part of.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

North Wilts Ladies seconds captain, Cher Peterson-Dowling, was also a delighted skipper after her team picked up several key victories to close the deal with an eight-point advantage.

She said: “We started the season unsure as to what to expect. We hadn’t played as a team for 18 months due to Covid and we were just grateful to be back playing hockey again.

“As the season progressed, we found ourselves top of the league at Christmas. It was at that moment that we started to believe that we could win the league.

“Every match, we fought for victory and strived to always play better than the previous match.

“The ladies have been so consistent over the season and their hard work has paid off.

“This season has been a historic achievement for our club, and it is such an exciting time to be a part of North Wilts hockey.

“This has been my fifth year of captaincy and it has been an honour and privilege to be a part of, and lead, such a talented team of players to promotion.

“This will be the highest league the seconds have ever played in, and our focus for next season will be to get as fit and competitive as we can.”