Sutton Coldfield Ladies won the National Investec Women’s Over 45’s Final Trophy at the Lee Valley Olympic Hockey Stadium in a dramatic match defeating St Albans 3- 2.

Due to the introduction of new rules, Sutton Coldfield were also supported by players from Olton, Blossomfield, Belper, Lichfield and Towcester to create a formidable Mighty Pink’s collaboration.

Their match at Lee Valley preceded the GB v USA women’s World League match, which only added to the excitement of their cup final encounter.

With over 30 mins played in the first half, Sutton Coldfield took a slender 1-0 lead against the run of play, with a goal from Becky Wootton. Unfortunately the advantage was cut short early into the second half. With the scores level the game went from end to end, with Sutton having to face a number of defensive corners. Sutton managed to break the deadlock with another well taken goal by Becky Wootton, swiftly followed by another great goal by Charlotte Cross which placed Sutton securely in the driving seat with 20 mins left on the clock.

Just when Sutton thought they had the game sewn up, St Albans scored their second, when one of their forwards latched onto the end of a superb long ball into the circle and scored a fine deflection.

With only 10 mins remaining St Albans threw everyone forward in attempt for an equalizer. The Mighty Pinks with tired legs, were keen not to face the dreaded penalty shuffles, and defended resolutely to deny any opportunity for the opposition to score. The experience of Olympian Jane Sixsmith ran down the clock in the final few minutes with some fine individual skill to seal a 3-2 victory for the Mighty Pinks. It was fine and rewarding end to a superb season for this remarkable group of ladies, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to playing sport.