HOCKEY

Bromley and Beckenham 1
Waltham Forest 0
(NE14 HOCKEY East Div 2S) WALTHAM Forest ladies missed out on promotion on the last day of the season after a narrow defeat at Bromley and Beckenham.

Victory would have ensured the Walthamstow-based side finish second spot in the league but, despite throwing the kitchen sink at their opponents, they could not find an opening in the game.

Forest enjoyed the vast majority of possession and kept play in their attacking half.

But it was the home team that grabbed the all-important goal - allbeit following a fortunate series of bobbles - mid-way through the first half.

The visitors battled well, producing a rock solid defence and a midfield busy winning tackles and making key interceptions to keep the pressure on.

They also had their chances, from both penalty corners and a couple of shots that were just whiskers away from the goal post.

A fine aerial shot by Anna Pearson was one of their better chances, but the Bromley keeper's fast reactions kept a clean sheet.

In the end though, the game proved to be a step too far for Forest.

However, they finished the season in great form and, despite ending up fifth in the league, they boast the both the best defence and most goals scored - a springboard they can take into the next league campaign.