Basingstoke Bison Ladies 2, Romford 2

BISON Ladies left it late to thrill their biggest crowd of the season as they clinched the league crown on Sunday night against visiting Romford.

The Wella-backed side scored the all-important equalising goal 74 seconds from the final hooter to earn the point they needed for the title.

As it looked like the title had slipped through their fingers, a penalty on Romford's Tracey Paul was followed by Bison coach Ian Parsons pulling his netminder to give his team a six-on-four advantage.

This saw results almost immediately as Cheryl Ross found Chrissy Newman and her backhand pass was ripped into the net by Emma Toose.

Romford had opened the scoring at 4:04 through Zoe Gilbert.

The home side hit back as the impressive Karen Probin skated down the right and crossed for Sam Vernon to score as Mary Thomas caused confusion in the goalmouth at 7:06.

Gilbert looked set to make it 2-1 in the closing minutes of the period but man-of-the-match Tom Findlay - playing for the unavailable Clare Millard - made an excellent save.

The second session saw Julia Burns go close as did Newman when sent clear by Carla Gregory on a breakaway.

However, the visitors edged in front again as Sophie Gilbert's blue-line shot deflected off Sam Hart, sending the puck into the top corner.

After that, the home side piled on the pressure as Lynsey Crame, Julie Saint, Natalie West and Thomas all went close.

The final period saw the home side continue to create most chances with Newman denied on several breakaway opportunities, while Probin, Saint, Ross and Toose also forced saves from the Romford goalie.

Just when it looked like the point they needed would elude them, Toose scored the game-tying goal.

After that, the visitors were unable to get the puck out of their own zone and the clock counted down and the league title celebrations followed.

Overjoyed manager Lesley Ellis said: "The team is highly talented, with a wonderful blend of experienced and young players. Their hard work and the excellent coaching from our coaching team have really paid off.

"We were delighted at the interest and support. It must have been the largest turnout for a ladies' hockey match in our history and we thank all our supporters for coming along and making it such a special night."

She added: "I had just given up all hope, when they played a six-on-four empty-net powerplay against the best ladies' team for getting shots on target and pulled off a stunning goal! Fortune favours the brave."

This weekend the Bison Ladies travel to Hull to take part in the women's division one play-offs where they face Whitley in a semi-final tomorrow.

Victory will book a place in the final against either Sheffield or Romford on Sunday.

* Last Saturday, Sam Hart helped Wales to a 4-1 win over an England team which included Bison team-mate Chrissy Newman in the first-ever home international at Nottingham.