Rover Oxford Ladies have relinquished their national league status after losing their second English Slazenger League play-off match 3-1 at Whitley Bay.
It’s a disappointing end to the season, and leaves Oxfordshire without a team – men’s or women’s – in the English League.
After their defeat at home to Sevenoaks the previous weekend, it was always going to be a long shot for Rover to claw their way back in the round-robin play-offs.
Following the long trip up north, however, they quickly established themselves as the dominant team.
With lively play and excellent passing, Rover went ahead through Emily Court. The Oxford side continued to call the tune, but were unable to convert several other chances.
Against the run of play, a well-rehearsed free-hit resulted in a deflection past the Rover keeper.
Whitley Bay seemed invigorated after their half-time team talk, and they came up with answers to the visitors’ attack.
They scored twice more in the second half to seal the verdict, leaving Rover with a long journey home as they contemplated a return to South League Division 1 next season, where they will be alongside Oxford Hawks.
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