A final failed to be played for the first time in the near 50-year history of the English women’s knockout cup after Surbiton withdrew from the competition.
Surbiton were due to play Beeston on Saturday at Nottingham Hockey Centre in the EH T1 Championship women’s final, but only the men’s cup ‘showpiece’ went ahead.
READ MORE: ‘We need to reinvigorate it’: Harborne claim England Hockey cup glory after 122 years
A women’s trophy has been presented every year since 1977/78, while Surbiton and Beeston have dominated the women’s event in recent years, sharing title honours four times apiece since 2013.
“As we are sure all other clubs also did, Surbiton entered this season’s Cup with the best intentions,” Surbiton told THP in a club statement.
“However with the changing landscape of the format and some lack of clarity around fixtures and competition details, the club made the decision (as did more than half of the other teams who had entered) to withdraw.
“We are now looking forward to next season’s competitions.”
England Hockey didn’t comment on the matter when contacted by THP.
Surbiton also withdrew from the men’s competition in the early rounds after their original match against Harborne had been postponed due to a frozen pitch.
After beating Fareham 7-1 in the opening round, Surbiton received a walkover over Clifton Robinsons before withdrawing in the next round and Harborne advancing.
Indian Gymkhana had beaten Beeston 1-0 before staking their claim in the final against eventual winners Harborne.
Gymkhana had started their Cup run with two walkovers: against Holcombe and Canterbury.
Surbiton’s withdrawals and the continued walkovers which occur every year have further dampened a once vibrant and proud cup competition.
Harborne please not Harbourne
A bit more focus on the game that was played would help promote the competition, perhaps a nod to the young players who competed on both teams, how sad that their achievements are seen as unworthy of comment.
England Hockey made the brilliant decision to play both finals immediately after the u12 In2Hockey finals. It was a great opportunity for young players to see their heroes fight it out for cup glory, and many did stay to see the Mens final, which was a great game.
This was a massive opportunity for our top clubs to showcase Women’s hockey in front of the players of the future (including Surbiton’s own triumphant u12 girls team). Such a shame that our biggest clubs couldn’t see the value in the game as an advert for the future.