Mel Clewlow says National Premier Division title decider is Canterbury Ladies' biggest 70 minutes in history'
by Alex Hoad
Mel Clewlow says Saturday’s trip to Surbiton will be ‘the
biggest 70 minutes in the history of Canterbury Hockey Club."
The former England and GB defender (pictured) has spent 22 years
playing at Polo Farm but has never gone into the final game of the
season with a chance to finish top of the National Premier
Division.
The city club lead Leicester by a single point and know victory
at Surbiton would be enough to secure top spot and a place in
Europe next season.
Clewlow said: "We want to look at it as another game and just
three points but it’s understandable that some players are excited
and some are nervous.
"We have to try not to put too much pressure on
ourselves. I can’t honestly see anything other than a
Leicester win at home to Slough and so we have just got to focus on
winning our game.
"We have spent 17 games fighting to get into this position. I
have played here for 22 years and it’s the first time I have been
in the position to finish top. These opportunities do not come
around often and you need to grab them when they do.
"Along with the European Cup final in 2006, this is probably the
biggest game we’ve ever had.
"To win the league would probably be top of my list of
achievements, certainly in terms of club hockey."
Defeat at Surbiton - who need to win to secure their top-four
place - would leave Canterbury facing hosts Reading when the
play-offs begin next month and Clewlow admitted: "If we were to
miss out it would be hard to come back, particularly against
Reading.
"We are not going to tempt fate and fill the bus up with
champagne. If we do win, I’m sure there would be some celebrations
on the pitch but you have to be respectful of your opponents and
I’m sure we’d wait to get back to the club to do most of the
celebrating."
Do you think Canterbury can seal top-spot and their
place in Europe? Have your say below.
21/03/13
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