Amazons pull off a phoenix from the ashes comeback
FROM the brink of folding to champions in less than a year – what a season it has been for Amazons.
Last summer, having had to forfeit games towards the end of the 2019-20 programme, they were wondering if they would have enough players to continue.
How they have managed to regroup to become competitive again is a great story in itself, but to put together an unbeaten 10-match run in their next campaign to claim the Alliance Women’s League title makes it extraordinary.
They were crowned champions on Sunday with two rounds of of fixtures to spare when they came from a goal down to beat the Island U18 Girls side, but such has been Amazons’ turnaround that the vast majority of their players were reluctant to celebrate at the final whistle because they could barely believe what they had achieved.
However, hat-tricks from Mali Smith and Bex Hubbard as well as strikes from Kirsty Davison and Alex Bevis had earned the three points they needed to ensure that they have an unassailable lead at the top.
That left captain Lucy Le Page understandably beaming with pride over what her side have achieved.
‘We definitely struggled for numbers at the end of last season, and over the summer there was talk of needing to fold, which as a lifelong Amazon was heartbreaking,’ she said.
‘We were so pleased to be given the opportunity to prove keeping five ladies’ club teams was a viable option. We certainly felt we had something to prove, and feel we’ve done that – so proud of our squad and how we’ve dug deep, worked hard and together to make it happen every game.
‘We’ve never been complacent about it – today we went out there ready for a tough game.’
Le Page pointed to the mix of youth and experience as one of the keys to Amazons’ success, but not the main one.
‘It’s definitely the team’s mentality – we are like a family, working together and supporting each other both on and off the pitch.
‘We’ve some very talented youngsters coming through, but they’ve definitely benefited from having more experienced players around them.
‘It’s lovely to be a part of developing the future generations of Guernsey ladies’ hockey, and seeing them grow as players in skill and confidence.’
The fact that it has been a competitive league with many tight games was part of the reason Amazons were so keen to double-check they could not be caught before the celebrations could begin.
As Le Page pointed out: ‘Up until Christmas there were still four teams in the running for the title.
‘We’ve definitely had tough games and feel we’ve worked hard for our wins.
‘We started today’s game 1-0 against us, to come back 8-1, but it could have easily gone the other way if we hadn’t kept our heads.’
Of course, young goal-scorer Smith was up against many of her contemporaries at the weekend and is one of many juniors making their mark in the senior ranks.
Le Page believes that bodes well for a bright future.
‘The junior talent coming through is looking really promising,’ she said.
‘Guernsey hockey are definitely thinking about the future and ensuring there are various leagues and training available throughout the school years.
‘There are so many opportunities for our youngsters now compared to when I started with Amazons as a youngster 15 years ago.’
