THIS IS GIRL POWER!

WORTHING Hockey Club have burst into the English National Mixed Cup. They put together a first-choice side for the first time in years, and straightway knocked out one of the Cup favourites, twice-recent finalists Epsom on Sunday '” and it was the girls who got all the goals in a shock 3-1 away triumph.

The rules demand five women on the pitch at any time. Sarah Greenway, Andrea Catlow, Beth Warner, newcomer Jo Whiting and Shelley Formstone were the starters and the latter three formed the Worthing spearhead.

England junior triallist Warner scored twice in the first half and earned the Player of the Match verdict. And, after Epsom converted a penalty seven minutes from time, leading women's scorer Shelley Formstone scored the clincher in the last minute.

Sarah Greenway also had an outstanding match at full-back as the women were forced to raise their game alongside Worthing's Regional League men. Sadie Butler and Claire Greenway were substitutes.

Matt Ansell captained and England Mixed squad keeper Daniel Godsmark was in goal. The second round is another tough one '” away to Sevenoaks on February 20.

WORTHING: Godsmark; Edmondson, Beales, S.Greenway; Catlow, A.Warner, Clayton; Ansell; Whiting, B.Warner, Formstone. Subs: Godber, Butler, C.Greenway.