Gators snapping at heels of rivals
Gosport Gators are riding the crest of a wave.
The Gosport & Fareham League outfit are celebrating one of their best-ever seasons, with both senior sides earning promotion.
Gosport Gators A jumped into division two, after victory over Antonios in their final game of the season.
Meanwhile, Gators B finished second in division five and with it bagged a spot in division four next season.
It's a remarkable turnaround for both sides who endured mixed fortunes during the previous campaign.
Gators A even flirted with relegation before narrowly beating the drop.
Captain and team manager Liz Hendrick puts this reversal in form down to a more consistent side.
'Last season we struggled to get a full team every week,' she said.
'We found ourselves with six players or borrowing players from the B team.
'But this season our team was strengthened with the addition of Moira McRobbie in centre court, and our shooters Rachel Elgie and Heidi James have formed a great partnership under the post.'
Now in division two, Gators A will have to battle on without star centre Jenna Carpenter, who leaves for university.
It is a major blow for the team and Hendrick is under no illusions about the task now facing her troops.
'We will all be very sad to see Jenna go,' said the captain.
'She has been with us since she was 13 and has had a massive impact on our team.
'She has helped the club out with umpiring and volunteered her time to
coach our junior element of the club.
'We wish her all the very best at university.
'We know that division twowill be a challenge for us, particularly as we won't have our star player, but we will give it our best shot.'
Gators B have had one of their best seasons since joining the league back in 2007.
The team ended the season with 10 wins under their belt and only four losses all season, comfortably finishing second in the table.
'We have a strong squad that can always be relied on to play to their full potential,' said team boss Rachael Keywood.
'We will carry that forward for the new season in division four.'
The team welcomed Gemma James to the side this season, joining the already-strong defence.
'Gemma has fitted into the team brilliantly, linking well with original team member Hannah Hendrick to create a formidable partnership,' said Keywood.
'This should stand us in good stead for the coming season.'
Both promotions mean a change of playing night for the teams but they are not going to let that faze them.
The club also has five junior teams coming through the ranks.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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