BOWDON DENIED A MAXIMUM
by Patrick Rowley

Bowdon Hightown Ladies failed at the last hurdle in their attempt to be the first club in the English League to collect maximum points in a season. The champions were beaten 3-1 at Canterbury.

But Canterbury’s joy was short-lived when they learnt that Olton had won their final game and pipped the Kent club by a point for the second place in Europe next winter.

Bowdon led Canterbury when Tina Cullen scored her 24th of the season and could have been two up but for a goal line save.

But when Bowdon were twice reduced to ten players by suspensions, Canterbury took control. In an eight minute spell late on, Natascha Brennan scored two and Cindy Botha one for Canterbury.

Olton were twice pegged back at Poynton but won 3-2 with Denise Marston-Smith (two) and Holly Chipman (correct spelling) their scorers.

In the Women’s Conference North, Durham University won 6-2 at Sunderland to claim the title and qualify for the premier league play-offs while Ben Rhydding were relegated.