The University of Birmingham’s hockey team claimed victory in the final of the Investec Women's Cup (hockey's equivalent of the FA Cup) on Sunday, convincingly defeating Surbiton 4-1. In doing so they became the first University team to win the championship.
The team, which is mainly a mix of University of Birmingham students and alumni, had previously reached the semi-finals three times in the last four years, but this year the team claimed the ultimate prize.
Surbiton actually scored first 27 minutes into the match, but 3 minutes later the University equalized through Liz George (alumni), leaving the score at half time at 1-all.
In the second half, senior Welsh international Tina Evans scored for Birmingham from a short corner on 55 minutes, and just 10 minutes later Jenna Woolven (a University of Birmingham Sport scholar) added a third again from a short corner. Tina Evans completed the convincing win with a fourth goal in the dying seconds of the game.
Captain Laura Bainbridge said ‘I am so proud of the whole team, winning the cup was a brilliant way to end the season. With a number of the girls leaving us this year it was great for them to go out on such a high.'
The cup was presented to the team by England Hockey president Simon Mason. Laura added, 'having reached three semi finals, it was amazing to finally lift the trophy!'
Head coach Phil Gooderham followed Laura's response with 'Winning the national EHB Investec cup final was a fantastic way to finish the season for the girls, who have worked hard all year.
They were fully deserving of their victory, playing some excellent hockey during the second half of the game and I am really proud of what this group of talented players have achieved over the past few years. To be the first university to win this national competition is again a fantastic achievement, but nothing short of what they have deserved.'