Sevenoaks Ladies: 5

Northampton Saints: 1

SEVENOAKS Ladies 1st XI despatched Northampton Saints 5-1 in the EHL East Conference, to move level on points at the top of the table with Ipswich. Northampton arrived in buoyant mood having drawn with Ipswich the previous week and Oaks knew that there was no room for complacency against the league's bottom side.

Oaks charged out of the blocks to put Northampton under immediate pressure and within two minutes took the lead, courtesy of Katy Barnett's deft finish. Two short corners followed.

The first was a deflected shot blocked on the line by a defender. But the second was fired into the corner by Sophie Crosley. When the ball hit a defender's foot on the line at a short corner, they tucked away the resultant penalty stroke to keep themselves in the game. This was probably the Saints's best period of the match and Oaks's worst, but just before half time Jet Van Zalen restored the two goal advantage.

The second half had not long got underway when Van Zalen struck again to put Oaks in a commanding position.

Oaks continued to look threatening. In the 55th minute, Barnett, who had been lively all game, was tripped by the Northampton keeper just as she was about to shoot from close range.

Nikki Lloyd converted the resultant penalty stroke to bring the final score line to a convincing 5-1. Oaks still feel they have not been at their very best in the last couple of weeks, but will be looking for a good performance against Horsham on Saturday, another must win game if they are to stay in contention for the league title.

Sevenoaks ladies II: 2

Brentwood: 0

NEEDING a point to secure promotion and three to win the league, Oaks knew that Brentwood would provide tough opposition even though they were lying at the bottom of the table.

With a good defensive record and probably the best keeper in the league, Oaks knew they would need to play a patient intelligent game to beat the Essex side.

Jo Jackson was man of the match after a superb display. Stepping in after a three week layoff she made superb runs, creating space for her team mates and leading by example.

Oaks started well creating several chances.

George Fletcher, having a fine game at centre half, won the ball in midfield and drove in to the circle, firing home a great shot, to finally beat Brentwood's defence.

Oaks continued to dominate with Brentwood creating a few breaks which were dealt with competently by the season's solid defence of Julia Ridger, Hazel Lovegrove, Amanda Bishop, George Leathers, Hannah Knott and Su Evans.

Grace Lovegrove was finding a lot of space and making some telling runs.

Frankie Maffei found herself in the D with the ball and with some fancy stick skills slotted home Oaks's second before half-time.

The second half was to remain goalless with Alex Pearson coming closest on a couple of occasions.

When the final whistle went Oaks knew they were champions – thoroughly deserved after a fine season.

Credit must go to captain Julia Ridger for creating a brilliant team spirit, Sue Acott in her first year as coach, who grew in confidence throughout the season and stepping in to play when required, and Sue Chandler for being lead coach and coming to as many games as she could to offer her expertise.

The team have improved no end and it is a credit to the work rate and attitude of a fine squad that Oaks finally take their place in the East Premier League – the highest that they can go as a second X1.

Results: Sevenoaks men's II: 4, Holcombe: 1