UAL Women's hockey team continue to grow

by Mark Lockett

The University of the Arts (UAL) women’s hockey team has secured its third consecutive league championship with two games of the season left.

Captain Rachel Mandley said of the team’s achievement: “I feel elated to have won the league for a third time. We work well as a team which is brilliant as we have had a lot of freshers join this year.

“Dani Wilmot, Ellie Watson and Abigale Cawley-Gentles have improved the most. Their play has got so much better in the matches and they have learnt a lot from the training sessions.

“More senior players such Georgina Edwards, Kate Beesley and Choi Lynn Jackson have also played an important part in the team’s success.”

Good team spirit

Mandley continued: “We have great team spirit. As a group of people we get on so well, going out togther, socialising on and off the field”

UAL hockey’s rise began after the team was formed in 2006. They have since been champions in every league campaign since.

Mandley said of the challenge now facing the team next season: “The standard will get harder and I am looking forward to playing tougher sides.

“As my team is at a high standard I am confident we can win the league next year and move up again.”

UAL’s remaining fixtures include a home match against Varsity rivals, Goldsmiths.

This fixture has been in doubt after reluctance from the Goldsmith’s hockey team to compete in The Arts Varsity Cup.

Having seen them off 8-0 earlier in the season, Mandley feels Goldsmiths desire to pull out has more to do with their lack of quality rather than a depleted squad.