Carlisle Ladies’ Hockey Club were crowned Cumbria league champions on Saturday, securing promotion to the North West league with 2 games to spare. The club’s 1st XI completed a 6-0 victory over Keswick 2nd XI to stretch an incredible winning streak to 20 matches. The home side got off to a fast start with two early goals for Emily Brown and a marauding midfield run from Kyra Walton ending in a third. Carlisle defended stoutly to thwart some breakaway chances from a pacey Keswick side, with right back Katie Robinson taking the player of the match award. The match was finished in style with a first goal of the season for midfield general Sarah White, a second of the game for Walton and former Keswick player Nicky Spry slotting home a powerful penalty stroke to give the scoreline an emphatic feel.
It has been an incredible season for the 1st team, scoring over 100 goals with fierce competition between Alice Murray and Jess Wharton, at 14 years old making her debut in senior hockey, for the top goalscorer award. A large part of the team’s success has been the development of a core of young players who have been together for the last 3 years, supported by the club’s long serving senior players, which has allowed the team to develop a real confidence in an attacking style of hockey and never say die attitude in defence. There has also been excellent strength in depth with players called into the 1st XI due to injury staying with the team due to their excellent performances. The club’s 2nd XI has also had their most successful season ever with a number of excellent victories in the league. The Wharton family has been a crucial factor in this success, with Hannah Wharton leading the goal tally and Jenni Wharton captaining the team. The junior section is thriving with boys and girls’ age groups competing from under 10 to under 16, with the under 10 boys qualifying for the Borders round of the national In2 hockey competition in Durham on the 26th March. A number of players from the club have also been selected for the North High Performance centre in Durham at under 15 and under 17 level.
Next season is set to be an exciting one at the club with the ladies’ 1st XI seeking to maintain their place in the North West league and the 2nd XI looking to improve on this year’s points haul. The senior men’s team also plays in the North West league. New players are always welcome, adults and juniors, male and female. Search “Carlisle hockey” online to find our website and contact details.