CUP FEVER is sweeping through the ladies section of Leamington Hockey Club this month as the females launch their bid for national glory.
The club’s masters side will be looking to banish the memory of last year’s penalty defeat to York in the quarter-final stage of the Investec Women’s Masters Over 35s Trophy.
It was a remarkable achievement to reach the final eight in 2014 in their first season in the competition and this year Leamington begin their campaign at home to Stourport on October 18.
Seven days later it is the turn of ladies first team who after receiving a bye in the first round, they face a trip to Loughborough Students in the second round of the Investec Women’s Cup.
Both teams will be hoping to make it all the way to the final in their respective competitions with the finals taking place at the home of English hockey – the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London.
“Anything can happen in a cup game, so both teams are really excited to get our campaigns started,” said Leamington forward and England mixed international Kerry Luckett, who is a member of both teams and is eager for cup glory this season.
“Without doubt it will be tough for the first team as we are battling against national league opposition, but that is no reason for us to be put off. We’ve made an excellent start to the league season and can take great confidence from that.
“As for the masters team, it would be wonderful if we could improve on last year.
“It was incredible to reach the quarter finals of a national competition but to go out on penalties the way we did was heart-breaking.
“However, we can learn from that experience and hopefully go even further this season – we’d love to make it to Lee Valley and we’ll do all that we can to get there.”
The masters game against Stourport will be played at North Leamington School in Sandy Lane. At 1.30pm.
