Surbiton ladies skipper Sarah Haycroft says the men’s disappointment at the national championship play-offs serves as a reminder of the cruel nature of the sport.

Haycroft and co will go to Lee Valley this weekend as the unbeaten table-toppers of the WHL Premier Division, looking to defend the crown they won last year.

They remain the favourites, but after the men suffered a bad day at the office in their semi-final defeat to Wimbledon last weekend, Haycroft is taking nothing for granted.

And despite remaining unbeaten in 18 league games and having a cup final defence to look forward to on April 25, she remains firmly in that mindset. 

The ladies face Reading in Saturday’s semi-final, and will face either Clifton or Canterbury in Sunday’s final.

Haycroft said: “We need to make sure we’re fully prepared. After what happened to the men we know how cruel the play-offs can be.

“They’ve had an excellent season, and then just have one of those days and the chance has gone.

“Although we did ok in the Euro Hockey League [finishing fifth] it was a tremendous learning curve and we’ll take that experience into this weekend.”

She added: “We know the pressure is on us, but we have big-game players who thrive on that, and we want to make sure we are in Europe again next year.”

Despite being on the edge of a league and cup double for the second consecutive season, Haycroft insists there is room for improvement.

Wimbledon Times:

More of the same please: Sarah Haycroft lifts the championship trophy last season

She said: “The club has come on in leaps and bounds over the past few seasons, and we’ve created a really strong bond.

“We have great strength in depth and have been learning new patterns and processes, which have borne fruit.

“It’s now a case of making sure we perform for 70 minutes, which is something we’ve not been doing this season.

“So we know our failings and areas that need improving, and another season in Europe will aid that, so we want nothing less from this weekend.”