WALTHAM FOREST ladies gained promotion to Division One after league champions Broxbourne beat promotion rivals Bishop’s Stortford, opening the door for the local side to claim the second promotion spot with victory over Newmarket.

Broxbourne’s win the previous day meant Forest had to win to earn a place in Division One next season. And they duly delivered, as they trounced their opponents 10-0.

The game began with two early goals from penalty corners, when Kathryn Tucker and captain Ayleen Duske both hit the backboard with their accurate shots.

Philippa Leguen de Lacroix was on hand to volley in the third from close range as Forest cantered into an unassailable lead. They brought their season to a thrilling climax with a flurry of second half goals. Claire Hughes’ skillful dribbling created the chance for her to add the fourth, while Duske stepped up to successfully convert a penalty flick.

Leguen de Lacroix then got her second with a tap-in, after Anna Pearson’s angled shot was only half-saved by the busy Newmarket keeper.

Pearson soon notched the seventh with a reverse sweep, and Tucker bagged the eighth with another penalty corner strike.

Defender Jenny Todd made a surge into the circle to strike home her first goal of the season, and Emma Livingstone-Jones scrambled the tenth near the left post.

The team will undoubtedly face stiffer tests next season, which begins in September. But, for now, they can reflect on a job well done.