Hockey: Beckie voted League Number 1

  • Jersey woman voted Premier League player of the season
  • Herbert helps Surbiton retain Premier League crown
  • Surbiton playing cup final on Saturday

JERSEY’S Beckie Herbert will hope to cap what’s already been a quite astonishing season in fine style on Saturday, with victory in England Hockey’s Investec Women’s Cup final at Lee Valley.

Not only has the former Jersey College for Girls student been an integral part of club side Surbiton’s march to a second successive Women’s Hockey League Premier Division title – which culminated in the end of season playoffs last weekend – but she has also been crowned as the top-flight’s player of the season.

Jersey's Beckie Herbert, a winner of a century of international hockey caps, salutes another goal for Surbiton. Picture: ADY KERRY

On top of that huge honour – which is voted for by the players – Herbert has finished the campaign as the division’s leading goalscorer (11 goals) and been named in the team of the season for her efforts.

The 28-year-old believes she is in the form of her life and puts her excellent performances down to one simple thing; enjoying her hockey.

‘It’s important to me that I play hard and train hard but I feel as though I play better when I’ve got a smile on my face,’ she explained.

‘It helps me to be positive, both individually and for the players around me. I really enjoyed playing this season, which is as important as winning.

‘I’m part of a great team, I like working with the coach and I feel confident and happy in my ability. There are always things to improve on but I’m at a point where I’m using my strengths well.’

Discussing her player of the season award, Herbert added: ‘I wasn’t expecting it at all. It’s always nice to be recognised for what you do, especially by the people you’re playing against, but I’m always much more concerned about how the team gets on.

‘Often, scoring goals helps you to be noticed. Whatever the sport, the players who score the goals or hit the runs are remembered but, as I’ve said all season, I’m lucky enough to have the players around me who allow me to score.’

The former Jersey College for Girls student was presented a silver salver before the Women’s Premier League finals at Lee Valley – the Olympic legacy stadium – at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Herbert’s Surbiton, who had remained unbeaten throughout the regular league season, overcame Reading 4-2 in a shoot-out following a 2-2 draw in Saturday’s semi-final, before beating Canterbury 2-1 in Sunday’s showdown.

As well as retaining the title, Surbiton are also now guaranteed a place in the top tier of the European Club Championships next year.

‘It’s always tough to perform as favourites,’ continued the Jersey woman.

Surbtion celebrate retaining their title on Sunday. Picture: Ravi Ghowry/England Hockey

‘It creates a different pressure to what we faced last year. We produced what I would call professional performances over the weekend, rather than pretty performances but that shows how we’ve progressed as a team.

‘It was important to get that place in Europe; we want to be there to test ourselves against the top clubs across the continent.

Herbert, who says she envisages continuing with Surbiton for the foreseeable future, will now aim to conclude a memorable season by helping her club retain the cup with defeat of Clifton Ladies on Saturday.

Emmie Le Marchant, daughter of Jerseyman Stephen, has also represented Surbiton this season.

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