Mersey Captain Wright Relishing Timperley Showdown

By Neil Goulding (English Lacrosse Press Officer, 07813 859986)

JENNY Wright, the Heaton Mersey captain, is relishing this Saturday's showdown with Timperley, their arch-rivals, in the Women's North of England Premier League.

Mersey were made to work hard for an 11-5 victory over Timperley's second-string at the weekend, but importantly emerged with full points to keep their title-challenge on track.

Timperley also won, 19-2 away to Liverpool, to stay top of the table by virtue of a better goal difference than Mersey.

Both Mersey and Timperley have won all four of their matches thus far, the only two clubs in the division to maintain an impressive 100 per cent unbeaten record.

But both those records will be put to the test this weekend as the league's 'big guns' go head-to-head at Stockport.

And, although Timperley have home advantage, Wright is hopeful her side can come away with maximum points.

"We want to challenge for the title this season, this is going to be one of the games if we're going to achieve that," said Wright.

"Timperley are very strong side. They've had a few internationals in the last few seasons and are very strong in attack.

"But we've had some close games with them in the past and are capable of beating them. We've beaten them before, but we lost fairly heavily to them in last season's league final."

Mersey have lost a number of experienced players, but Wright is backing her younger stars to mature in the coming seasons.

"Timperley have had a strong junior programme in the past few years and now they're reaping the benefits," she added.

"But although we've lost experienced players, we've got a lot of talented young players coming through. Ultimately they'll be the future of the club."

Mellor stayed third in the table, two points adrift of the top two, despite being beaten 10-6 by Stockport, who are fourth on nine points.

Leeds Penguins thrashed Brooklands Hulmeians, one of only three teams not to register a win this season, 16-2 for their first win.

Results, Saturday 18th October

WOMEN, North of England Premier League: Heaton Mersey 11 Timperley B 5, Mellor 6 Stockport 10, Liverpool 2 Timperley 19, Leeds Penguins 16 Brooklands Hulmeians 2, Wirral 16 Wilmslow 1.

Fixtures, Saturday 25th October
Timperley v Heaton Mersey
Stockport v Liverpool
Mellor v Wirral
Timperley B v Leeds Penguins
Brooklands Hulmeians v Wilmslow

ends....