ACOMB Hockey Club is celebrating the return of its Ladies 1st XI to the Yorkshire Women's Hockey League first division after a seven year absence.

The Ladies finished six points clear at the top of the second division after a close battle with Pocklington and Hull University.

They secured the title on the penultimate weekend of the season with a 7-1 victory over Thirsk before beating Canalside Terriers 3-1 in the final game.

Captain Kerry Woods, who has played for the club for over 20 years, said: "During my time at Acomb, there have been many ups and downs.

"This season has been unbelievable and I am so proud of the hard work and dedication that the team has given that culminated in us being crowned champions."

With 30 goals this season, Woods scored nearly half of the team's overall tally of 77 goals. She has also been joined in the team by her daughter Kiera which has added to her pride.

"This year has been amazing for myself on a personal level with not only being top goalscorer but having the privilege to play alongside my daughter Kiera," said Woods. "I have seen her develop into a wonderful young player with amazing potential.

"The ladies team are like family," she added. "We have players of all ages and we always pull together to support each other on-and-off the pitch. That is one of the reasons why we have had such a remarkable season."

Acomb suffered only two defeats in 22 games this season and had set a club record of 23 games unbeaten, stretching back to November 2015, prior to defeat against Colne Valley on January 7.

"Some people may think that a season starts with a few friendly fixtures and then into the league but not for us," stressed Woods. "We play summer league and trained throughout the summer months in hot weather to ensure we were ready for the season."

Woods paid tribute to manager Richard Crossland, saying: "Richard has managed the team for most of the season and has pushed us through some tough games with his half time talks and sheer determination to push us when we felt like giving up. The team and I are excited for the challenge that awaits us in Division 1 and hopefully our success will continue."

Long-serving club chairman Bob Dickenson, meanwhile, expressed his delight at the ladies' promotion and also praised the hard work that goes on behind the scenes on a weekly basis.

"Providing an environment for ladies to play a sport at a reasonable cost is this club's forte," he said. "But like any club, we have an excellent team of volunteers who ensure players and teams turn up at the right place at the right time with the correct kit!

"I am so pleased that the ladies tea, followed the men's team success the previous season and got promotion from their division," he added. "The team operates with a restricted number of players - ranging between some senior players and youthful girls - and everyone digs in both on-and-off the pitch.

"A clear promotion drive at the start of the season brought fresh faces and some excellent training routines organised by Matt Dickenson helped gather momentum on the pitch."