With the ladies there is good communication between myself as captain, my vice captains, Amy Goss and Lyndsay Blackshaw and our coach, James Spurdle. At the beginning of the season we sat down and set an ambitious target to not only win the league and gain promotion following our relegation last season but also to keep a minimal 'goals against' and most importantly to develop a strong consistent quad that we can carry through to the 2018/2019 season.

We definitely achieved the first two, winning the league this year by 11 points and 74 goals; however, I have to say I am more proud with how we have developed our squad (particularly with the introduction of young new players) and the commitment players have made this season to the team.

Who was your player of the season this year and why?

Although many votes came in for Lyndsay Blackshaw, EJ Hines and Abbi Wheaton, our player of the season this year was Tess Down who plays the defensive centre-midfield role in our team. Tess has been consistently reliable throughout the season and is solid in the centre of the pitch. Tess has a strong skill set enviable of players not only in our league but also leagues above and importantly has good vision which led to crucial distribution of the ball around our team. Every player can rely on Tess to make an essential tackle and she is also hot in the D scoring 13 goals this season.

Who was your most improved player and why?

Most improved for our team is decided between myself, Lyndsay and Amy and we were unanimous that it should go to Abbi Wheaton (who was also awarded Ladies Colt of the Year). Abbi's work rate has been second-to-none this season which has led from her being a fairly timid player lacking confidence (although certainly not skill) last season to being a first choice winger and forward this season who is seen as a stand out player in the team. Abbi has started college hockey this season at Richard Huish which has certainly assisted in her development. Abbi didn't score as many as she deserved this season getting 8 goals; however, she was crucial as an injector in the team's short corner routines.

Who was your team's 'unsung' hero this year and why?

Whilst I could name several people who fit this role on pitch, I would have to instead look to the side-lines for this and say our coach James "Spud" Spurdle and our all-around general assistant (read general dogsbody haha) Pascal Szczepanksi. Spud has put massive effort into the ladies coaching this season but has most importantly been a rock on the side-line for many of our games, despite also playing himself. He has offered the team and also individual players lots of support and assistance which has definitely helped with the development of the team. On the other hand, Pascal is our go to for everything else. He attends every game with his wife Cecilia, even if their daughter cannot play, and provides the team with water, half time sustenance and first aid assistance. Also, as a goalkeeper captain, it is harder for me to be as communicative in relation to subbing players. Pascal is a great hep in keeping track of timings and directing players on and off the pitch in accordance with sub lists I let him have at the start of each game.

In which game did the team put in their best overall performance in your view?

We've had some big wins this season; however, the results with the close score lines have definitely been more enjoyable for us as a team and also are the games where we have performed to a higher standard. I would say our best performance probably came at home against third placed White Eagles 2 who came down with us last season. We had beaten WE2 away only a few weeks previously in a scrappy 4-3 win that led to us being reduced to 8 players at points during the game and as such we were looking to show that whilst we fought hard for that win, we also deserved it. I was really pleased with our 5-1 win at home as we truly showed the strong performance level of our team as a whole displaying class hockey and the fact that as a team we didn't rely on a couple key players that pull a team through but that every single player that represented Chard on the pitch was a credit to the team.

Which league will you be playing in next season and what are your hopes for next year?

Next year we will be playing in West Club's Women's Hockey League - Sedgmoor Division 1. We were very disappointed to be relegated from this league last season, despite strong performances and memorably beating top of the league, Taunton Vale 3s. As such, I do hope for a top 4 finish next season. Some may see this as ambitious; however, we have a strong team and some excellent players despite being a small club with only one Saturday league ladies team!

Are you hoping to keep a similar squad next season, or are there gaps needing filled by fresh faces?

I am hoping to keep a fairly similar squad next season. I have been lucky to have a regular squad of 16 for this season plus 2 or 3 additional players who have been pulled in on occasion. I think I am losing 2-3 players (and hope this is it) due to university and one house move. Of course, as the ladies 1st team we are always checking out the upcoming talent and we have an excellent offering in our ladies Sunday team who offer development to our junior players. In addition, if anyone out there is looking to return to hockey or to move clubs, I think they will find a very welcoming team and club who offer both excellent playing and social conditions!